Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the findings of Imperial College London
paper Public Support for Innovation, Intangible Investment and Productivity
Growth in the UK Market Sector.
RCUK is encouraged that the findings support the case for sustained investment
in research by highlighting the “exceptionally high” rate of return achieved by
Research Council funding. The economic impact of excellent research has long been
recognised by RCUK. This new paper reflects the wider importance for the economy
of continued support for excellent UK research.
RCUK notes that these findings support the recommendations made last week in
The Royal Society report: The Scientific Century which concluded that sustained
investment in research is key to the long-term economic growth of the UK. RCUK funds
excellent research that contributes to a productive economy, healthy society and
sustainable world and has helped establish the UK as a world-leading centre for
research.
Research in the UK has seen 10 years of increased investment, but it is essential
that this is sustained.
A full copy of Professor Haskel's paper can be found at:
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/business-school/research/publications/discussion_papers/public_support
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes for editors
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 the third sector.
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).