Research and development (R&D) pipeline
This report sets out the UK position on R&D personnel in 2020 and considers what changes in demand and supply of R&D skills may arise from recent world events and UK policy responses.
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In 2020, BEIS commissioned the Warwick Institute for Employment Research for independent evidence on the UK’s pipeline of R&D personnel.
Up to 2020, demand for R&D personnel had been growing steadily, even in the absence of R&D spending increases.
Evidence-based planning for different scenarios of R&D workforce futures suggested higher demand for these skills even in the absence of new policy incentives, and shortages were expected on the supply side and on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills specifically.
This report recommends improving working conditions to attract a more diverse workforce to R&D positions, and to avoid the existing supply going to non-R&D occupations.
This report is published alongside he R&D People and Culture Strategy.