IT Essentials: The cost of doing (science) business

Delays to rejoining Horizon have a cost beyond the financial

The government is prioritising numbers on a balance sheet over the more difficult-to-quantify benefits of investment and cooperation.

We shouldn't be surprised at the latest delay to the UK rejoining the Horizon Europe research scheme; it simply re-treads ground the Conservative Party has been walking for decades by defunding or removing support from anything that doesn't immediately contribute to GDP.

For example, Rishi Sunak's announcement of a crackdown this week on "low-value" degrees; those with low earning potential, or that don't lead to a related job within 15 months. Under those metrics, most degrees that lead to public sector jobs and social work would be lost.

Now comes this latest delay in rejoining one of the world's largest scientific and best-funded research schemes. Sources vary as to the cause, although it's agreed to be financial. Earlier in the month we heard that the UK wanted discounts to make up for the time it was blocked from participating due to Brexit (hoisted by our own petard). Now, negotiators are focusing on a correction mechanism to come into force if the country gets less out than we put in.

Ensuring value is important, and the negotiators must have room to work; but delay has a cost beyond the financial. While we remain outside Horizon, the UK's previously thriving science scene is falling behind the rest of Europe's, and top researchers - important STEM workers - are leaving for overseas institutions where their work will be funded.

It's not a great look for Rishi Sunak and his much-repeated talk about turning the UK into a "science superpower."

On the bright side, there is still some fantastic research ongoing in the UK. Take Cambridge University spin-out Carbon Re as an example, which is using AI to maximise efficiencies in the construction sector - responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. Penny Horwood's excellent interview this week with CTO and co-founder Aiden O'Sullivan, and her high-level look at green construction materials, shines a light on the strength of British technology leadership.

Lest anyone accuse me of political bias, Rishi Sunak's government did great work in negotiating the Windsor Framework. We know a similar deal is possible with Horizon; both sides now need to work together in good faith to help the UK re-enter the scheme. Science is strongest when scientists can work together.

Weekend reading

The Horizon delays make it even more important to protect the UK's STEM pipeline, so joiners, career switchers and graduates entering the tech industry should read our analysis of the top tech roles for new starters. We produced this data with help from global tech recruiter Harvey Nash, and it provides solid insights into the UK tech scene at the entry level.

John Leonard has worked on his own analysis of the new EU-US Data Privacy Framework, the legal agreement for cross-Atlantic data transfers. Essential reading for anyone who moves data across borders.

And, of course, Penny Horwood produced two fascinating articles about cement. Yes, really.