Vision: The UK’s R&D investment matches the scale of the Science and Technology Superpower ambition, and the private sector takes a leading role in delivering this. Delivery under the Science and Technology Framework catalyses private sector R&D and boosts the innovation activity of firms leading to UK economic growth. Outcomes – by 2030 we will have:
increased private sector investment in R&D, building on record levels of public sector investment committed at SR21. The UK will be delivering its plan for increasing private investment in the UK, anchored in our strengths in priority sectors. We will have delivered the biggest increase in public R&D investment, and have already committed to invest £20 billion in R&D in 2024 to 2025
ensured the UK has the right diversity in the science and technology landscape. Alongside our excellent universities, we will optimise existing organisations such as Public Sector Research Establishments and Catapults, and consider new agile, innovative models such as focused research organisations and practical support for innovators. The Landscape Review led by Sir Paul Nurse will inform these choices
raised domestic public investment in R&D outside the Greater South East by at least 40% as set out in the Levelling Up White Paper, to boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards outside the greater south-east
accelerated translation, commercialisation and knowledge exchange through targeted support for local innovation clusters
reduced bureaucracy of research and innovation funding, with funders experimenting with new approaches. This will build on the Independent Review of UKRI and the Bureaucracy Review, and consider all government funded R&D programmes
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is working on a cross-government action plan in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Initial work will include:
responding to the Tickell Review of Research Bureaucracy in early 2023, and Sir Paul Nurse’s Review of the Research, Development and Innovation Landscape
working with industry and philanthropic partners to increase inward investment by Summer Recess 2023
piloting new Innovation Accelerators supporting UK city regions to become major, globally competitive centres for research and innovation