UK RNA sector risks major skills gap, report says

UK INNOVATION in RNA therapeutics, crucial in the development of Covid vaccines, could be stalled due to significant skills and workforce gaps.

A report published by industry research group CPI and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies predicts a shortage in the next two to three years of technical operators, scientists, and engineers skilled in delivering RNA-based solutions.

The global RNA-based treatments market is expected to be worth more than US$25bn by 2030, and the UK has increased its funding to projects related to the manufacturing of RNA vaccines.

However, the report warns that the UK risks falling behind in global research and says that to “remain at the forefront” of technology, further skills development was essential.

Brendan Fish, director of biologics and RNA Centre of Excellence at CPI, said: “There are a whole host of reasons that persuade companies like Moderna to invest in the UK. But they would never build a factory if they did not think there was a workforce.”

He added: “We have been looking at innovative industries, including pharmaceuticals and RNA, to see what the future is going to look like and whether we are ready for it. Do we have a capable workforce ready to deal with the new modalities and medicines we are going to be making?”

More than 100 new skills

CPI partnered with Innovate UK and its Workforce Foresighting Hub programme for the report, identifying more than 100 future capabilities needed to facilitate RNA research and development.

The hub identified 45 new capabilities required for the future RNA sector, including skills needed in design, enterprise, and logistics.

Specifically, the report named several jobs, or future occupational profiles (FOPs), that will deliver these capabilities, including technician scientist, process leader, automation engineer, and development scientist.

Bridging the gap

CPI has developed several recommendations for employers and educators to ensure that the RNA workforce is “fit for the future”.

Fish said: “We went through all of the roles, many of which there are existing training opportunities and people that can be upskilled.”

In the short term, the report suggested that employers must invest in upskilling workers in the design sector. This includes skills in advanced robotics, developing manufacturing equipment, and sampling raw materials.

Though the report found that existing education provision “provided a solid foundation” for future skills development, most recommendations were reserved for educational institutions.

It recommended that structural changes be made to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, England (IFATE) standards and relevant qualifications.

Across the short- and long-term, CPI suggests educators work with employers to identify and develop the training for new skills.

The report states: “A collaborative approach is needed between educators and employers to prepare the future workforce to allow the UK to fully exploit this technology to its full potential.”

Fish said that the RNA report is the first of several industry skills reports that CPI intends to put out using the Workforce Foresighting Hub, with research into agriculture and digital technology industries also in the pipeline.