The inquiry will consider the role of structural factors—such as the tax system, regulatory requirements, and standards—in influencing the success of start-ups, spin-outs, and other innovation-focused enterprises.  The Committee will assess the health of the country’s innovation ecosystem across the nations and regions. It will look at the interplay of local and national government policy, access to investment, research clusters, and infrastructure in fostering innovation and making the regions an engine for growth.

It will explore how universities and businesses work together to commercialise research and to tackle obstacles such as funding and market access. It will evaluate the link between innovation and economic growth both regionally and nationally, drawing lessons from international comparators and considering the impact of regional clusters and hubs, including the Catapult network.

The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee – a cross-party group of MPs – wants to hear your ideas for topics it should put “under the microscope”.

The committee’s role is to look at government policies on science, technology and innovation, and make recommendations for how these could be improved.

This is your opportunity to get involved and suggest what questions the committee should be exploring, and how the government can ensure that science and technology do good for people across the United Kingdom.

Information and activity pack for schools and young people's organisations

You could start by thinking about:

• What worries or excites you about science and technology?
• Are there any areas where you think there should be new or stricter laws?
• Are there major problems that could be solved by investing more money in research?
• Are there things that the government should do to prepare for the changes that science and technology will make to how we live and work?

Tell us:

• What do you want the committee to put under the microscope?
• Why does it matter to you?
• What you think the government should do about it?

The committee would particularly like to receive suggestions from those we wouldn’t normally hear from, and about topics that affect the lives of people in all parts of UK. In particular, we want to hear from members of groups that may be less likely to study or work in science and technology.

Proposals should outline the nature of the issue that the committee should explore, why it is important, and how government policy in this area could be improved. We are not able to take up individual cases or complaints.

Each individual or organisation should submit no more than one proposal. Where multiple proposals are submitted, only the first will be considered.

A selection of the proposals will be shortlisted for further engagement with the committee.

Tell us what the committee should put under the microscope.

The deadline for proposals is 10 March 2025. Unfortunately, late submissions cannot be accepted.

For further information, please contact commonssitc@parliament.uk