Investment in research infrastructure

Government has an ambition for the UK to be “one of the top three places in the world to create, invest in and scale-up a fast-growing technology business by 2035”. Overseen by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will be central to achieving this aim. UKRI is responsible for … Show more

Government has an ambition for the UK to be “one of the top three places in the world to create, invest in and scale-up a fast-growing technology business by 2035”. Overseen by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will be central to achieving this aim. UKRI is responsible for almost all of the UK’s research and innovation facilities and equipment, and spent £1.2bn on building, maintaining and upgrading research infrastructure in 2024-25. In 2025, a report from the Public Accounts Committee warned there was a lack of clearly defined objectives for UKRI making it difficult for DSIT to hold it accountable. The report also warned that UKRI was reliant on outdated IT systems and was unable to demonstrate how it monitors and manages its risk appetite in relation to its investment portfolio. The National Audit Office’s (NAO) 2026 report found that although UKRI and DSIT appear to have a clearer understanding of future infrastructure requirements, they have been too slow in replacing the UK’s supercomputers. The report also warned that UKRI is not carrying out enough maintenance to keep its estate in an acceptable condition. If you have evidence on these issues, please submit here by 23.59 on Thursday 14 May 2026. Please note that the Committee’s inquiry cannot assist with individual cases. If you need help with an individual problem you are having, you may wish to read the information on Parliament’s website about who you can contact with different issues . Show less