The UK government must develop an industrial strategy that has research and development (R&D) at its core, according to senior business and university leaders.
The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) has assembled an R&D Taskforce with senior leaders from industry and academia, including the chairs of BT, Rolls Royce, GSK and Orsted, as well as the presidents of both the CBI and Universities UK, along with vice chancellors from across the UK.
An initial report from the group, Recovery: Delivering an R&D-driven Industrial Strategy, set out a collective vision for collaboration through research and development. Its recommendations include:
- A refresh of the industrial strategy that places research and innovation as its engine
The establishment of a network of ‘Innovation Collaboration Zones’ across the UK to aid the levelling up agenda
The creation of a Global Collaboration Fund to encourage universities and businesses to pool their strengths to attract inward investment, attracting investment from businesses in the UK and overseas
A widened remit of the Office for Talent to help grow and deliver domestic talent, alongside attracting global talent.
Sam Laidlaw, chair of NCUB and the R&D Taskforce, said: “The government has rightly acknowledged that research and development is paramount in the nation’s recovery from Covid-19.
"The UK’s research base is also key to meeting the decarbonisation goal and keeping the UK competitive in global markets - it is therefore crucial that government, universities and business collectively act on the report’s recommendations to build a more resilient, productive and innovative economy."
