Funding for innovation at local level

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced that local leaders will receive funding to unlock research and local innovations.

Local leaders are set to receive at least £30 million each from the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.

The money will help target innovation investment and make the most of communities’ expertise to unleash discoveries.

The Glasgow City Region, Cardiff Capital Region, and Belfast/Derry-Londonderry will all receive funding.

High potential areas in places that have not been allocated funding will also be able to bid into a competition.

The funding comes after a successful trial into how national innovation experts can best collaborate with regional partnerships of local leaders, research organisations and industry to make the most of R&D as a solution to some of the country’s biggest challenges.

The Innovation Accelerators programme has already brought in more than £140 million of private investment and created hundreds of jobs in cities across the UK. In Greater Manchester, a team are help to detect heart and lung diseases more quickly and cheaply and researchers in Glasgow are working to spot the signs of colon cancer earlier to save lives.

UK Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "All across the UK there are incredible projects and fantastic innovation taking place. We know that these are critical for the UK’s success.

"This fund now gives local leaders in every nation of the UK the chance to proudly capitalise on their city or region’s expertise, from AI to life sciences, medicines to engineering, and beyond, to make a difference to lives across the country.  

"With backing for more regions to come we can unlock the new jobs and business opportunities that are central to boosting the economic growth at the heart of our Plan for Change."

Chief Executive of Universities UK, Vivienne Stern MBE, said: "The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund will give regions the opportunity to set their own priorities, allowing them to amplify their strengths, boost innovation and growth. Collaboration is at the core of this fund, which will enable local partners, businesses, key growth sectors and universities to work closely together to achieve the common goal of transformative change in their region for local people. The success of similar funds like the Strength in Places Fund and the Innovation Accelerator pilot scheme, highlights the important role universities can play in key partnerships and bolstering regional innovation ecosystems. This funding is more important now than ever as the government seeks to deliver its industrial strategy (IS8) where collaboration between key growth sectors, local authorities and universities could be the key to success.

"Universities are driving regional growth through partnerships with industry, including initiatives like the Advanced Diagnostics Accelerator in Manchester, which is expanding access to early diagnosis, and Space Park Leicester, which is supporting the growth of cutting-edge sectors. This fund will help more regions build on their strengths.

"From equipping students with advanced skills to upskilling those already in the labour market, universities are committed to driving growth across the UK. As anchor institutions in communities nationwide, our universities are not only widening access and opportunities by helping individuals gain new skills or enhance existing ones, but are also centres of research and innovation, driving the UK forward."