R&D: Engineering a better future for all of us

Focusing on the people involved helps illustrate how R&D can benefit communities and interests.

Recent CaSE research found that support for R&D investment increases when it is clearly linked to an issue that audiences care about. Net support for increasing the R&D budget rose from 20% when no issue was provided to 47% when linked to jobs, 46% for healthcare, and 46% for the environment.

Investing in R&D will help create a better future for us and the next generation. Framing R&D as a way to be ready for tomorrow’s real problems and creating a better future for all increased support for R&D in a recent CaSE survey.

In CaSE focus groups, engagement increased where connections between R&D projects and place were highlighted. Those who want their region to carry out lots of R&D, or who support a new research lab being built in their area, are motivated by job creation, local and national economic benefits, and education opportunities.

Explain whether and how the benefits of research are being made accessible to everyone. Avoid exaggerating the potential of R&D or using vague explanations.

Investing in R&D is essential if we want to solve problems. Where possible, be specific and honest about how money is being used. There is public appetite for honest conversations about the rationales, risks and rewards of R&D.

For example, focusing on the processes and products involved helps illustrate how R&D can benefit communities and interests.

Please suggest between 5 and 10 keywords describing your R&D project.