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The role of technology, research and innovation in the COVID-19 recovery

Inquiry

In addition to its health impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted economic activity, with the OECD estimating that the initial impact on the UK has been a reduction in GDP of more than 25% since the end of March. Research and innovation activity has been affected, with the Campaign for Science and Engineering reporting financial and logistical difficulties for academic institutes, medical research charities and businesses.

This is particularly important given the ability of research and innovation to drive economic growth as the UK seeks to recover from the pandemic, with UKRI having previously estimated that every £1 spent on research and development delivers £7 in economic and social benefit.

The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee will inquire formally into the role of technology, research and innovation in the UK’s economic recovery from COVID-19, as well as the support that the sector itself requires to recover from the pandemic.

Read the call for evidence for more information about this inquiry.

Reports, special reports and government responses

No reports or special reports published.

Oral evidence transcripts

View all oral evidence transcripts
6 July 2022
Inquiry The role of technology, research and innovation in the COVID-19 recovery
Witnesses Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas (Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science at Queens University Belfast), Tim Brundle (Director of Research & Impact at Ulster University), Matthew Malcolm (Creative Industries Development Officer at Arts Council of Northern Ireland), Professor Paul Moore (Director at Future Screens Northern Ireland), Jack Morrow (Chief Technology Officer at RETìníZE), Keith Forster (Director of Strategic Policy at Northern Ireland Department for the Economy), Gordon Lyons MLA (Minister at Northern Ireland Department for the Economy), and Eoin McFadden (Head of Innovation Strategy Unit at Northern Ireland Department for the Economy)
Oral Evidence
10 February 2022
Inquiry The role of technology, research and innovation in the COVID-19 recovery
Witnesses Professor Frank Coton (Senior Vice Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at University of Glasgow), Karen Watt (Chief Executive at Scottish Funding Council), Dr Gillian Lang (Deputy Director of Science at Glasgow Science Centre), Dr Lynne O'Hare (Chief Commercial Officer at National Manufacturing Institute Scotland), Elaine Gemmell (Head of Regulatory Affairs at Scottish Health Innovations Ltd), Simon Andrews (Executive Director at Fraunhofer UK), and Dr Stuart Hannah (Founder at MicroPlate Dx)
Oral Evidence
25 November 2021
Inquiry The role of technology, research and innovation in the COVID-19 recovery
Witnesses Andy Street CBE (Mayor at West Midlands Combined Authority), Dr Clive Hickman (Chief Executive at The Manufacturing Technology Centre), Professor Simon Collinson (Director at City-REDI, University of Birmingham), Tony Kinsella (Chief Executive at Lucideon), Stephen Malone (Group CEO at Malone Group), Professor Martin Freer (Director at Energy Research Accelerator (ERA)), and Professor Daniel Smith (Executive Director, Global Cell and Gene Therapy Portfolio at Cobra Biologics)
Oral Evidence
West Midlands Combined Authority (CRV0069)
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) (CRV0068)
LumiraDx (CRV0066)

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  • Email: commonssitc@parliament.uk
  • Phone: 020 7219 5023 (general enquiries) | 020 7219 4984 (media enquiries)
  • Address: Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA