Post WWII UK science policy and theories of change in science policy - Essay

Post WWII UK science policy and theories of change in science policy - Outline the main features of UK science policy in the dif - Essay Example This essay discusses the key features of science policy under the Thatcher government and during the Blair / Brown administration, as well as point out the contrasts and comparisons between the same. The policies and strategies in today's times have evolved as a consequence of such external factors, and circumstances, which existed prior to the two world wars, and are in stark contrast to the contemporary times. The impact of technological revolution, on the society today, is the result of such policies and political will. The fact that science is an influential tool used for political domination is established through this study. Furthermore it also suggests the manner in which policies and investment in science and technology have changed over the years, in response to the change in structure of government. The increased government spending on research and development of nuclear weapons post the World War II, during the Wilson Labour government (1964-1970) to the shift in investment in industrial research during the Thatcher Major Conservative government (1979 – 1997) and finally to the Blair / Brown government’s (1997 – 2010) emphasis on building a knowledge economy by enhancing the quality of life through wealth creation. This essay discusses the key features of science policy under the Thatcher government and during the Blair / Brown administration, as well as point out the contrasts and comparisons between the same. UK Science Policy Post WWII: The science policy of two governments namely, The Thatcher / Major Conservative Government (1979 – 1997) and The Blair / Brown Labour Government (1997 – 2010) are discussed in this section: The Thatcher / Major Conservative Government (1979 – 1997): Various strategic changes in the science policy were observed during the Thatcher administration. One of the key aims of the Thatcher government was to provide a social environment with minimum possible, moderation on the activities of private industry. The Thatcher government which came to power during the late 1970s saw major investments in science and technology, with a greater emphasis on industrial development. The government focused mainly on development of research fields which had a st rong industrial relevance, resulting in priority funding in this sector. This in turn strengthened the relationship between the private industry, universities and Research councils, which were initially devoid of such funding. One of the fields that were mostly benefited through such extensive funding was: genetic engineering (Wright, 1994). The science policy under this regime was mostly centralized and was subjected to major interference from the government. The key focus was to steer the scientific innovations in a way that could benefit the society, through maximum revenue generation. The main agenda of this administration was to liberate the private enterprises, and reduce state intervention and cuts in public sector spending. Overall reductions in budget were made, in the areas of education and in universities, regardless