As part of its statutory responsibility, the Government published its response to the Commons Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee 4th Report, Engineering: Turning ideas into reality  on Friday 29 June. The response was unusually positive. Evidencing the increasing influence the Institution does have, the Government acknowledged many of the issues IMechE raised during the inquiry and committed itself to addressing them.  

What has Government said it will do?

• Maintain and deepen its relationships with both the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering institutions. This will allow IMechE to continue to work with Defra, DfT, BIS and DECC on a number of policy issues. We hope we can further our relationship with central government.  
• Develop a better understanding of the skills requirements needed for nuclear new build. This is in direct response to comments made by IMechE about the uncertainty surrounding our ability to deliver nuclear new build, particularly from the perspective of skills.
• Have an open mind about the future of geo-engineering; climate change is a huge challenge that will require a broad portfolio of policy options if the UK is to minimise its impact. The Government also announced £3 million of funding for research in this area. Again, these measures reflect the action IMechE called for during the inquiry process.
• Work to improve the availability, quality and impact of engineering advice received during the policymaking process. The Government were surprisingly acknowledging of the lack of engineering expertise used in the policy making process and committed itself to solving this.

What won’t it do?

• Introduce the post of Government Chief Engineering Advisors at key departments, arguing that the Chief Scientific Advisors already, in effect, fulfil this requirement.
• Officially promote chartered status.

What does IMechE want now?

• Action and fast. Engineers will be at the heart of the UK’s economic recovery, finding solutions to climate change and central to our new industrial revolution.
• Evidence of the Government’s commitment to better engage with the engineering community.
• More funding for geo-engineering and swifter action thereafter. Climate change is an ever increasing challenge and we must have a broad range of tools to deal with it. Wasting time will not only impact on our ability to tackle climate change but it will also jeopardise the UK’s ability to become a world leading manufacturer of geo-engineering solutions.