How can science and tech innovation boost regional economic growth?

During the recent Autumn Statement, the chancellor announced £20.4 billion in investment for UK’s research and development for the next year, with the aim of boosting economic growth and achieving its five national missions.  

This inquiry will focus on how the government’s investment in R&D contributes to economic growth across the UK.  

The cross-party committee will consider how the local and national government drives regional research and innovation, and how this delivers regional growth and prosperity.  

Members will examine the health of the country’s innovation ecosystem across the nations and regions. This will include considering how a range of factors – regulation, policy, access to investment, research clusters, infrastructure – influence the success of start-ups and spin-outs and foster regional growth.

Chair comment

The chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Chi Onwurah MP, commented:  

“In the budget, the Committee was pleased to see the government deliver record levels of funding for UK R&D and reinforce its commitment to invest in innovation to boost economic growth. 

“This inquiry is a chance to assess exactly how this innovation investment contributes to regional growth. We’ll examine the different ways that local and national government fund and encourage science and tech innovation, and how this in turn delivers economic growth and productivity across the entire UK.  

" We will look closely at the UK’s innovation landscape and how it can drive economic development across the UK, not just within the ‘golden triangle.’” 

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: Unsplash