International policies and activities of the research councils

Book excerpt: Research is an international endeavour, involving collaboration from the researcher-to-researcher level to the country-to-country level. The international research scene is changing as the research base of countries such as India and China expands. It is thus crucial that the UK adapts its research support mechanism accordingly. This inquiry examined: the strengths and weaknesses of Research Councils and the Office of Science and Innovation in maintaining and promoting international collaboration; the European Union Framework Programme; the effectiveness of collaboration between Research Councils and Government departments; the impact of the Research Councils' policies on the international mobility of scientists and engineers.