Towards a Science and Innovation Strategy
A NIACE Response to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills’ Consultation
Published: February 2008
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Introduction and summary
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) is the leading
non-governmental organisation for England and Wales representing the interests
of adult learners, potential learners, and those who make provision for them. A
membership organisation, NIACE is a registered charity and represents the
interests of adult learners, advocating increased opportunities for adult
learning and for better quality provision. It is particularly concerned to
advance the interests of those who have benefited least from initial education
and training.
NIACE welcomes the opportunity to contribute to discussions towards a new
strategy on innovation. Our response emphasises the pivotal role that lifelong
learning can have on the process of innovation. Indeed, NIACE believes that it
is a necessary pre-condition for the the type of innovative ecosystem envisioned
by the Government that it is open, includes the public and service sectors, and
is user-led.
NIACE believes that a strategy that focuses on funding support for innovation will not be enough and that a broad culture of curiosity will multiply the impact of the innovation we do generate.
To that end NIACE believes that if Government is planning to invest in innovation then including modest investment in adult learning in the strategy would entail few risks for real benefits.
