UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has today published a new five-year strategy to power breakthrough discoveries in future tech such as AI and quantum and support more than 20,000 researchers to drive growth across the UK.
Commenting on the new strategy, Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:
“We welcome the realism and prioritisation in UKRI’s new strategy in the context of difficult funding challenges. It shows an appropriate balance of supporting investigator-led research, addressing societal needs, helping companies start and scale in the UK, and aligning with national priorities, all essential responsibilities of our national research and innovation funder.
“Engineering and technology have extraordinary potential to improve lives and drive growth, and we are pleased to see emphasis on this ambition and practical frameworks for the choices needed. We look forward to seeing more detail about the plans and to working with UKRI as they review issues such as block grant funding and intellectual property.”
Dame Tamara Finkelstein DCB, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:
“UKRI’s leaders have made bold but necessary choices about science and technology facilities in the context of a difficult funding environment, which reflect prioritisation rather than indiscriminate cuts across the board. While there will – unfortunately - be losses to important facilities, UKRI’s overall strategy strikes a sensible balance between research and innovation priorities. We stand ready to support UKRI and other partners in minimising harms and maximising opportunities for engineering and technology research and innovation.”
