Following Labour and Conservatives, the Liberal Democrat party has now published its election manifesto.
On the topic of scientific research, the manifesto states an intention to reform science funding so that 'genuinely innovative scientific research' is identified and supported, instead of basing funding decisions on 'narrow' factors.
They will also: 'Safeguard academic freedom and the independence Of scientific advisers by amending the Ministerial Code to prevent government from bullying or mistreating advisers and distorting evidence or statistics'.
There are no specific initiatives for electronics, but the party declares a commitment to 'Four Steps to a fairer Britain'. One of these is 'green growth' and the aim to 'create jobs by making Britain greener'.
As part of this, the LibDems advocate the setting up of a 'UK Infrastructure Bank' (UKIB) offering 'stable long-term returns'. This bank features as part of the party's commitment to 'direct private finance to essential projects such as new rail services and green energy, building the environmentally sustainable economy that is needed for the long term'.
The Green Stimulus Plan includes: "Launching an 'Eco Cash-Bank' scheme, for one year only, which will give you £400 if you install double-glazing, replace an old boiler, or install micro-generation. If you choose micro-generation, you will be able to sell the energy back to the National Grid at a profit, with a more attractive feed-in tariff than under government plans.
It declares: "Liberal Democrats will begin our term in office with a one-year job-creation and green economic stimulus package... This programme will be a first step towards our target for a zero-carbon Britain by 2050."
It will also support the establishment of Local Enterprise Funds and Regional Stock Exchanges, with the aim of encouraging investors to put money into growing businesses in their own part of the country.
There is also a commitment to 'use the substantial purchasing power of government to expand the markets for green products and technologies.'