Considerable effort has gone into seeking external funding. Too often the requirement of meeting targets becomes itself the goal rather than the integration of research within industry. The universities are also targetted for further cuts in public funding through requirements for extra outside funding. Universities are under great financial stress at present, further cuts would be folly. The recommendation by the Mortimer Report that policy and program delivery be separated would reduce essential feedback from the customer base.
Business needs consistency of delivery and interpretation of the rules.
Corporate knowledge, expertise and professionalism within research funding and performing organisations should not be sacrificed in bids to encourage outsourcing. We support the need to simplify access to information about research and development programs. There should be an efficient roadmap, and assistance from the continuity of knowledge and skills available in professional and stable public institutions. Plurality of funding The Academy of Science supports a plurality of funding sources. This was also recommended in the recent report by Professor Stocker.