The purpose of the FCO's Science and Innovation Network is to strengthen the UK's long-term prosperity, sustainability and security in a globalised world by:

• promoting access to and sharing of scientific expertise, resources and facilities through international scientific collaboration and exchange
• strengthening the UK's innovation capacity through international research and development (R&D) investment, R&D partnerships and technology transfer
• informing effective domestic and international policymaking and leadership based on the best available science
• using science and innovation as a tool for influence in an increasingly globalised world and to forge strategic alliances

What is the Science and Innovation Network (SIN)?

The International Science and Innovation Network was established by the FCO in 2000 in response to the growing importance of science, technology and innovation for our future. There are dedicated staff in 35 missions in 22 countries and territories.

SIN is co-ordinated by the Science and Innovation Group in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, in collaboration with the DIUS's Government Office for Science and the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Beddington. Based in UK embassies and consulates abroad, the overseas Network works closely with other colleagues including British Council and UK Trade and Investment.

Why an overseas science and innovation network?

With 90% of the world's science and innovation happening outside the UK, international interaction is essential to ensure the UK retains its position at the cutting edge of world science and that we further develop an internationally competitive and innovative knowledge-based economy. Science already includes a complex web of international collaborations, public and private. The rationale behind the FCO's SIN is that the vast majority of S&I funding worldwide remains national. Decisions on how this money is spent remain national. The UK Science and Innovation base needs country-specific intelligence on what is being funded, why and how countries prioritise their spending, and how best to tap into the best S&I. SIN adds value by being a network of in-country experts familiar with both the UK customer base and host country networks.

Science is also fundamental to meeting the challenges of diplomacy in a changing world. SIN has a unique role in delivering across all the Strategic Priorities, in developing evidence-based policies to tackle new global challenges, such as climate change and pandemic flu. SIN also has a major role in responding to the opportunities of globalisation by using science to build relationships with the emerging economies, particularly with China and India. Science collaboration is a major way of enhancing our overall bilateral relationship with emerging economies and in turn can be used to promote influence, for example, on the regulatory framework, by actively promoting UK approaches and/or other internationally recognised benchmarks.

Links to other Science and Innovation websites including partner organisations

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) is responsible for the development, funding and performance management of the science and research base across the UK.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is the Government organisation that supports companies in the UK doing business internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to set up or expand in the UK.

By promoting UK culture and creativity, the British Council has a unique role to play in sustaining communications for, and about, UK science, engineering and technology.

The British National Space Centre (BNSC) advises and acts on behalf of Government and the Research Councils, to provide a focus for UK civil space policies, and help win the best possible scientific, economic and social benefits from putting space to work.

The Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK and the Commonwealth dedicated to promoting excellence in science.