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University Alliance welcomes the Government's Innovation and Research Strategy

Responding to the launch of Government’s Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth Libby Hackett, Director of University Alliance, said:

“The Government’s commitment to research funding following excellence wherever it exists will safeguard the UK research base and is indeed welcome. By continuing to fund small but excellent research facilities, Government is recognising the critical role they play within the innovation ecosystem. Maintaining a balance between fundamental and user-led research, the Government is ensuring our research-base remains both world-leading and sustainable. We look forward to working with the Research Councils and Hefce as a framework for this as it is developed.

“Fundamentally this strategy is about recognising the need to put innovation centre-stage of economic growth. To build a sustainable and balanced economy this needs to happen right across the country with businesses, small and large, working closely with universities. The innovation voucher scheme is something we have been calling for and will be welcome news to many of our universities. We already have evidence that this type of activity has a profound impact on growth and opens new links between universities and businesses – an essential ingredient in a knowledge-based economy.”

Janet Beer, Chair of University Alliance and Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, said:

“We welcome today’s strategy for its frankness and ambition; in being a clear assessment of the challenges facing our economy and in highlighting the importance of innovation in maintaining our global competitive advantage. It comes at a crucial time – with other countries spending more on research, now is the time for a clear vision that puts innovation at the heart of growth.

“I am pleased that at the strategy’s core is the recognition that universities, right across our diverse sector, are leaders within the innovation ecosystem. Universities are going to play an increasingly critical role in the future, in particular in drawing together the many strands of the strategy and realising many of its ambitions. We are delighted to see that the Technology Strategy Board has had its funding increased. They will continue to play a critical role in driving innovation-led growth.”

Notes to editors:

For further information or to speak with Libby Hackett contact Andrew Henry on ahenry@www.unialliance.ac.uk, 07833 236 629. More information about University Alliance can be found on our website, www.unialliance.ac.uk

 

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