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Science and Innovation Network

International collaboration in science and innovation is vital for meeting policy challenges on a global scale. Challenges such as pandemic disease, climate change, and food security, require the ability to engage other governments with, and through, sound science.

For these reasons, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office jointly fund a network of Science Officers overseas.

The Science and Innovation Network consists of around 90 staff, based in 40 British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, across 25 countries around the world. SIN officers engage with the local science and innovation community in support of UK policy overseas.

Science and Innovation Network Report 2010 - 2011

This report highlights the varied activities of the Network and the important role science and innovation play in enhancing bilateral relationships, including with emerging economies such as India and China

Science and Innovation Network Report April 2010 - March 2011

Priorities

In line with FCO & BIS priorities, the work of the SIN is guided by the following objectives:

Influence

• Science and innovation policies of governments, businesses and academia are influenced to benefit the UK through lobbying and deployment of robust scientific evidence.
• UK policy development is informed through identifying good practice internationally.
  

Opportunity

• International science collaboration of best with best is facilitated to the benefit of the UK.
• International innovation collaboration is facilitated to augment UK capabilities.

The Science and Innovation Network works closely with a wide range of partners from government, business and academia. It aims to complement the work of other key partners such as UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), The British Council, Research Councils UK (RCUK) and the Department for International Development (DFID).

SIN Priorities

The priorities and activities of SIN teams will vary from country to country, but main responsibilities include:Reporting and advising major UK partners on opportunities and developments in science and Innovation overseas

• Influencing key players overseas on UK aims and priorities in science and innovation
• Supporting overseas visits by ministers and senior officials
• Identifying leading edge capabilities overseas, promoting UK efforts on R&D and breaking down barriers to collaboration
• Hosting and supporting conferences, seminars and workshops

The S&I Network does not:

• fund or allocate resources for research
• intervene in commercial disputes
• undertake market research or commercially specific reporting

How to contact SIN:

The International Science and Innovation Unit based within BIS are responsible for managing the Science and Innovation Network.  
You can find key SIN contacts around the network on the BIS website.

Useful links

• Global Science and Innovation Network
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
• International Science and Innovation Unit
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
• Government Office for Science
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills