Dyson calls for technology support

5 October 2009 03:57pm

Vacuum cleaner entrepreneur Sir James Dyson said that technology is "essential" and called for better support for scientists and engineers.

Sir James told the Conservative conference in Manchester that it was time for Britain to take a leading international role in the development of new technology.

The Conservative Party technology tsar said: "Britain's long-term need to develop and sell new technology has been neglected."

Sir James said scientists needed better financial support, such as further tax incentives, but insisted "cultural changes" were vital.

Sir James said that for every engineer trained in Britain, China trained 22 and Iran and the Philippines produced twice as many as Britain.

He said: "Britain has 58,000 engineering vacancies but produces just 20,000 engineering graduates every year.

"What do we do? We close down engineering faculties - over 40 in the past decade."

He said governments and the media needed to "celebrate" technology.

"Technology is not just inspirational, it's essential," he said.

"We've lived for the thrill of the moment; now we must learn that a greater thrill comes from the slow burn of technology."

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