Vision for UK Research and Innovation Outlined in Delivery Plans

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has published plans detailing how it will work with its partners to support world-leading research and innovation continues to flourish in the UK  Outlining the areas of focus and key activities of UKRI’s nine constituent councils and its cross-cutting themes, the plans also detail UKRI’s approach to delivering the government’s target  spend on research and innovation by 2027.

Science Minister Chris Skidmore said: “One year ago, we set up UK Research and Innovation, to spearhead our record investment in R&D, with the aim of increasing it to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027.

“In its first year, UK Research and Innovation  has been a key partner in delivering our modern Industrial Strategy through the Challenge Funds, investing in our skills base through programmes such as Future Leaders Fellowships and new doctoral training in artificial intelligence, and cementing our reputation as a global partner of choice through projects including the Fund for International Collaboration.

“And as part of our modern Industrial Strategy, our ambitious plans for the year ahead will ensure the UK builds on this rich heritage in innovation and research excellence, to create a net zero carbon economy with highly-skilled, well-paid jobs at its core.”

Outlining the plans at an event in Leeds, UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport, said: “The delivery plans announced today are the blueprints for UKRI’s ambition to deliver the future of research and innovation. They outline how we will address the major global and societal challenges of our time, catalyse collaboration and contribute to meeting the government’s ambitious 2.4% target.”

He added: “UKRI has had a strong first year – the Future Leaders Fellowships programme, the Strength in Places Fund and the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund are all examples of the difference we can make working together as one organisation.

“But there is much more to do. Our vision is to benefit everyone by delivering knowledge with impact. Our delivery plans set out how we intend to make that ambition a reality.”

The plans have been developed with input from across UKRI’s research and innovation communities and build upon the Strategic Prospectus, published in May 2018, which outlined UKRI’s vision, mission and values.

The cross-UKRI delivery plan details the six themes that guide the organisation’s approach to delivering the 2.4 per cent target:

Business environment: we will deliver economic, social and cultural impact

Places: we will support growth across the UK

Ideas: pushing the frontiers of human knowledge and understanding

People: we will build the skills and environment required for research and innovation to thrive

Infrastructure: we will enable access to, and invest in, world-leading research and innovation infrastructure

International: we will build global partnerships and address global challenges.