Scottish referendum ‘no’ result will strengthen UK’s position as a science and engineering powerhouse

The ‘no’ outcome in the Scottish Referendum on independence will help secure Scotland’s future at the forefront of engineering and technology and will strengthen the United Kingdom’s overall position as a leading innovator on the world engineering stage, according to the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Alison Carr, IET Director of Policy said: “The contribution of engineering and science to Scotland's economy has been hugely significant in the past and will continue to prosper now that Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom.

“For many years, Scotland has been at the cutting-edge of engineering and science developments in many diverse areas such as renewable energy, smart grid technology, medical wellbeing and electronics.

“With Scotland remaining in the United Kingdom, we can continue to join forces to work together on major issues such as energy security, and build on the achievements of Scotland’s high-performing science and engineering economy.

“Key to this success will be ensuring the supply of science and engineering skills which will be needed in the coming years to increase Scotland and the UK’s competitiveness globally.”

 


Notes to editors:

  • Interview opportunities are available with IET spokespeople from a broad range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and women in engineering.
  • The IET is one of the world’s largest engineering institutions with nearly 160,000 members in 127 countries. It is also the most multidisciplinary – to reflect the increasingly diverse nature of engineering in the 21st century. Energy, transport, manufacturing, information and communications, and the built environment: the IET covers them all.
  • The IET is working to engineer a better world by inspiring, informing and influencing our members, engineers and technicians, and all those who are touched by, or touch, the work of engineers.
  • We want to build the profile of engineering and change outdated perceptions about engineering in order to tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.
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Robert Beahan
External Communications Manager

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