A new report released today (13 October) by Research Councils UK (RCUK) presents
the case for public funding of UK research and why it is so vital for our future
prosperity. “Research for our Future: UK business success through public investment
in research” includes input from leading decision-makers from business and
industry in the UK and elsewhere, and examines why they choose to work in partnership
with British researchers.
The evidence is overwhelming in support of the view that the quality of the UK
base attracts business and industry to conduct R&D in partnership with researchers
and that the knowledge and ideas generated by this research are key drivers of business
productivity and economic growth.
Author of the report Romesh Vaitilingam said: “The UK research base is proven
to be one of the best in the world and this reputation for quality has had a direct
impact on the economic prosperity and social wellbeing of the UK. However, the UK
cannot afford to be complacent as more and more countries see the benefits and return
on investment in research, seeking to stimulate their own economies and world research
standings.”
Some of the key findings of the report include:
- Continued public investment in research is essential for the success of
UK business and industry.
- The greatest long-term productivity advances come through breakthroughs
in basic knowledge.
- Publicly funded research raises the productivity of R&D in the private sector.
- Research institutions produce highly trained graduates which are an essential
resource for UK companies and foreign companies investing in the UK.
- The high quality of UK research makes the country attractive for inward
investment by international business and industry through collaborations.
RCUK Impact Champion, Professor Dave Delpy said: “The UK has long been a nation
that leads research innovation and this is the key competitive advantage we must
preserve. It is vital that we continue to produce the best in academic research
that has an impact on us all and attracts the best business and industry from around
the world to the UK.”
A full copy of the report is available from RCUK
here
A new film to accompany the report featuring interviews with Romesh Vaitilingam,
Professor Dave Delpy and leading UK researchers is now available to view
here
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes for editors
-
A full copy of the report is available from RCUK
here
-
A media briefing which includes a film to accompany the report, quotes, statistics
and figures as well as further reports and publications about research and business
is available
here
-
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's
seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our
focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research,
as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage.
Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering
international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and
infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments.
Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and
the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers
and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government
and charitable organisations.
www.rcuk.ac.uk
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).