UK Invests £55 Billion in Research to Power Next-Generation Technologies

Prime Highlights:

The UK government has announced £55 billion in R&D funding to boost innovation and strengthen key technology sectors.

Tech Secretary Liz Kendall said the move will help drive long-term growth and support the nation’s future industries.

Key Facts:

The funding will focus on quantum tech, robotics, life sciences, and clean energy as part of the UK’s industrial strategy.

An analysis shows that every £1 spent on public R&D brings £8 in economic benefits over time.

Background:

The UK government has announced a major plan to boost science and technology, with £55 billion in research and development (R&D) funding to drive innovation across key sectors.

Tech Secretary Liz Kendall made the announcement during her visit to IBM’s London headquarters, describing it as an important step toward strengthening the nation’s technological progress.

The funding, managed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), will go to various research organisations and projects. The funding will boost growth in quantum tech, robotics, life sciences, and clean energy.

A study released with the announcement shows that every £1 spent on public R&D could bring £8 in economic benefits, proving how valuable such investments are for the economy.

“Supporting our top researchers and innovators is vital,” said Kendall. “They are making the impossible, possible, from health to clean energy and beyond. By investing in their work, we are supporting the long-term success of the UK and paving the way for breakthroughs that help us all live and work better.”

Recent examples of government-supported R&D projects include £129 million invested in BioNTech’s UK centres for next-generation cancer medicine, £22 million for developing quantum computing capabilities, and £44 million directed toward AI and bioengineering to create cleaner manufacturing solutions.

This initiative forms part of DSIT’s broader vision to ensure stable, long-term funding for science and technology, driving innovation that supports both economic growth and public well-being. Full details of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) budget allocations are expected to be published later this year.