Scenarios for a Science Superpower

What is a ‘science superpower’? Sarah Main and Graeme Reid explore reactions to the term from stakeholders across the UK and examine alternative versions of a future in which ‘science superpower’ status is achieved. Their report is published today by the Foundation for Science and Technology. Jeremy Hunt, Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, George Freeman and other senior figures in government use the phrase ‘science superpower’ as a headline for ambitious, visionary science policy. It is a potent phrase but open to varied interpretation. By exploring scenarios in which the UK has achieved ‘science superpower’ status by different means, the authors stimulate debate about the desired characteristics of this status and highlight the choices facing policy-makers on the path to become a more research-intensive UK.