Andy Burnham has announced £1bn of investment through UK Research and Innovation over four years, alongside plans to give local leaders more control over research and development funding.
Speaking at the Innovation Nation Summit in Manchester on 9 October, the Prime Minister set out proposals to help British discoveries become businesses that grow and manufacture in the UK.
The investment will support innovation clusters in the Industrial Strategy’s priority sectors, linking research expertise with businesses and skilled workers.
Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England will receive control of the existing Local Innovation Partnerships Fund from 2028. That change concerns who makes funding decisions; it is separate from the £1bn UKRI commitment.
The government also plans to devolve a larger share of later-stage innovation funding beyond those established authorities. Discussions with devolved governments and regional stakeholders will explore arrangements for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
No.10 North will develop partnerships between industrial clusters, beginning with links between the Northern and Oxford-to-Cambridge growth corridors.
Burnham said the aim was to spread the economic benefits of innovation across the country, with local leaders able to connect research investment to their areas’ businesses, skills and infrastructure.
