Lords to ask: how does EU membership influence private research and development?
Next Tuesday, 26 January, the Lords Science and Technology Committee will turn its attention to the impact of EU membership on UK research and development in the private sector.
The Committee is currently carrying out an examination of the relationship between EU membership and the effectiveness of UK science, research and innovation.
Figures from the world of private sector science and business, as well as innovation policy, will give their views to the Committee on Tuesday.
The first evidence session, at 10.40am, will hear from Dr David Hughes, Global Head of Technology Scouting, Syngenta, and Mr Steve Bates, Chief Executive Officer, BioIndustry Association (BIA).
They will be asked about claims that commercial R&D in Europe has declined as a result of EU regulations, what the advantages might be of the UK developing its own regulatory framework, and why UK business participation in EU Framework Programmes is below the EU average and much lower than countries such as Germany and France.
In the second evidence session, at approximately 11.40am, the Committee will hear from Professor John Latham, Board Member, Innovate UK, and Ms Felicity Burch, Senior Economist, EEF - The Manufacturers' Organisation.
As well as the areas mentioned above, the Committee will explore collaboration opportunities with the EU private sector and UK/EU support for innovation.
The evidence sessions will start at 10.40am on Tuesday 26 January in Committee Room 4a of the House of Lords.
