Local leaders in England will control dedicated research and development funding for the first time, under plans set out by the Prime Minister, according to the BBC. Andy Burnham used a speech at the Innovation Nation Summit in Manchester to promise "good growth in every postcode" and said innovation should reach every part of the UK.
Key points
- Devolved R&D funding — established mayoral strategic authorities in England will receive dedicated later-stage innovation money.
- £1 billion over four years — committed through UK Research and Innovation to back high-growth innovation clusters.
- No.10 North partnerships — new links between clusters, starting with the Northern and Oxford to Cambridge growth corridors.
Burnham said Britain has "the finest minds working at the most prestigious universities" but could do more, and argued that companies should be able to grow into global giants at home. The government says the change moves decisions about regional innovation away from national control and towards places themselves.
The £1 billion, spread over the next four years, will support clusters in the Industrial Strategy's priority sectors, where research excellence, businesses and skilled workers already exist. No.10 North will also build partnerships between clusters in the eight growth-driving sectors, beginning with life sciences, digital and technology, and advanced manufacturing.
The reforms acknowledge that innovation needs more than research money, including skilled workers, affordable space, infrastructure and links with universities. Ministers say the shift will help regions attract investment and create better-paid jobs.
What it means in practice
For most people, nothing changes immediately: the money and powers sit with local authorities and funding bodies rather than households. But over the next few years, decisions about which local projects and businesses get public innovation support may be taken closer to home, which could affect job opportunities and investment in your area.
- Watch your local authority — mayoral strategic authorities will decide how to spend devolved innovation funding, so council and combined authority meetings are where the detail appears.
- Businesses and researchers — if you work in life sciences, digital, technology or advanced manufacturing, keep an eye on new cluster partnerships in your region.
- No direct payments — this is not a change to benefits, taxes or household bills.
