GW4 joins cross-sector call for the UK to be a leading country in R&D investment

The GW4 Alliance of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter Universities has joined with other organisations in calling for the UK to be a leading country in the G7 on research and development (R&D) investment.

The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), led on the cross sector call, which has been signed by professional bodies, universities and charities.

The joint statement highlights the importance of R&D for the UK’s growth, economic prosperity and societal wellbeing.

It states: “We are united in a belief in the importance of ambitious, long-term, and sustainable investment in Research and Development (R&D) for the future of the United Kingdom. R&D is the foundation upon which the UK’s economic prosperity, well-being, and global competitiveness rest. A sustained increase in government R&D investment creates the stability to pursue big ideas, discoveries, and innovations that improve UK public services and make the world a better place for the next generation.

“Such investment will instil confidence in the UK as a place to do business, drive growth, prosperity, and allow the UK to lead on the transition to net zero while tackling threats to health, wellbeing and quality of life across the UK. A majority of the public think that new research has a role to play in solving society’s challenges; 77% say new research is an essential or important part of solving the problem of climate change and 80% for securing the UK’s energy supply and lowering the cost of energy bills.

“The UK should be a leading country in the G7 on R&D investment. We want to see political parties commit to investing in and nurturing a culture of research and innovation, ensuring the UK continues to attract private, philanthropic, and charity investment as well as the most talented researchers from around the world.”

Dr Joanna Jenkinson MBE, GW4 Alliance Director, said:“GW4 represents four of the UK’s most research-intensive universities: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Our universities contribute substantially to the global knowledge economy with a combined annual research income of over £465 million and a £2.4 billion annual turnover, and can play a key role in addressing national and international challenges, such as climate change, antimicrobial resistance or levelling up.

“GW4’s geography covers both South West England and South Wales and the region is recognised for its world-leading research and innovation. Universities have an important role to play in helping regions realise and develop their research strengths and they are a major strength of the UK Research, Development and Innovation ecosystem but need increased support to continue to be so.

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything that GW4 does, and that is why I am pleased to be able to add GW4’s voice to that of colleagues across the sector to call on governments to prioritise investment in research and innovation.”

Visit the CaSE website for a full list of authors of the joint statement.