Engineering biology: call for evidence (2023)
Engineering biology: IET comments to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 27 September 2023.
The IET has responded to a call for evidence on engineering biology from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
It has stated that the UK’s engineering biology sector exhibits significant strengths, such as a strong research base built around its centres of excellence.
However, there are many challenges, including
- Scaling-up production
- Access to investment for SMEs, especially in the £2m - £20m range
- Recruitment of skilled individuals, especially at the technician level
Our recommendations to address these challenges include
- Implement co-funded initiatives that require SMEs and larger businesses to work together, fostering mutual understanding and innovation
- Encourage government contracting with requirements for collaboration between SMEs and larger firms
- Incentivise engineering biology researchers to stay in the UK – promoting technician careers in the sector is critical