Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Not Addressed
The UK is flying blind when it comes innovation policy.
Conclusion
The UK is flying blind when it comes innovation policy. It is unacceptable that the Government and UKRI cannot properly measure and map R&D spending and the accompanying private sector investment. Without clear, transparent measurement of what is being done and its impact, it is impossible to assess existing policies or identify improvements. We welcome the Government’s agreement to release departmental R&D spending plans and outturn data in response to our previous request. This will help to support more effective innovation policy, ensure greater accountability and ultimately contribute to regional economic growth. (Conclusion,Paragraph 42)
Government Response Summary
The government's response fails to address the committee's conclusion regarding the lack of proper measurement and mapping of R&D spending and private sector investment, instead discussing its support for investor-led vehicles and university commercialisation.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The government partially agrees with this recommendation. We recognise the important role of investor-led vehicles such as Northern Gritstone and Midlands Mindforge in university commercialisation and scale-up. These models depend on investor appetite and committed institutional leadership rather than central direction. Our role is to enable the conditions for investment to emerge where there is clear local demand, credible leadership and commercial viability. Where investment funds form that meet these conditions, we intend to and have supported them through UKRI and the British Business Bank in line with the Committee’s recommendation. Research England has supported collaborative commercialisation activity involving universities participating in investor-led initiatives, supporting the development of Northern Gritstone and Midlands Mindforge. In parallel, the British Business Bank has supported investment into university-linked innovation funds, including participation in Northern Gritstone. It also operates regional investment funds, including the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine funds, providing debt and equity finance to innovative SMEs and complementing university-linked commercialisation initiatives. Together, these interventions help investor-led models develop where partners judge them viable, without government directing specific institutional structures from the centre.