Public sector research establishments

Since December 1993, 53 Public Sector Research Establishments (PSREs) have been reviewed by a ‘Scrutiny Team’ whose ; 4-months consultation follows. These PSREs comprise a substantial part of the UK’s civil science and technology base (31, 000 staff; budget of £1.3B), and there is parliamentary concern over the review’s scale and speed, and implications for wealth creation and the quality of life. The Science and Technology Committees of both Houses are pursuing enquiries in this area. This scrutiny is the latest of many initiatives on the ownership and management of PSREs.

This POSTnote summarises its outcome against the backdrop of earlier initiatives reviewed by POST in 1993.