In the scientific community, collaboration across countries, continents and oceans has long been the norm, driving scientific knowledge and innovation forward. Research projects and development, especially at the academic level, often cross international borders. The United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union will not eliminate the opportunities for its scientists and researchers to work with those of other countries, even EU member states. Nevertheless, it could have repercussions for the future of technological innovation in the United Kingdom. Ideas will continue to flow freely between the United Kingdom and the Continent after the Brexit, but scientists and researchers might not. In addition, as the Brexit becomes a reality, funding for research in the United Kingdom likely will take a substantial hit.
Throughout history, Britain has played a prominent role in science and development, producing some of the world's greatest minds and discoveries. But in recent years, these endeavors have come to rely more and more on the European Union. In many sectors, including agriculture, the United Kingdom pays more to the Continental bloc than it receives. Yet the opposite is true in research and development (R&D). The United Kingdom receives more money from the European Research Council than any other EU member by a wide margin. From 2007 to 2013, the United Kingdom contributed 5.4 billion euros ($6 billion) to the EU research budget but received 8.8 billion euros in grants from the European Union. Although that amount is a fraction of the United Kingdom's overall R&D budget, projects funded by the European Union have traditionally performed very well. If the Brexit brings an end to, or even just reduces, EU funding for research in the United Kingdom, the country could lose ground in numerous areas.
The Brexit will not erase the United Kingdom's long history of scientific excellence, nor will it eliminate global collaboration with British scientists. The money at stake is only a fraction of the total funding that drives science and development in the United Kingdom, and the country will eventually find alternative sources to compensate for what it may lose in the Brexit. In the long term, the United Kingdom will continue to be a highly developed, technology-dependent nation. Nonetheless, without the trade union or brainpower that EU membership affords, maintaining a competitive edge will be more challenging. And until the Brexit has been negotiated, uncertainty over the future of funding, immigration policy, jobs and collaborations could cost the United Kingdom opportunities.
