Recommendation 8

While DSIT said it did not regret the fact that there is a large number of programmes, it recognised that it is important to make the sources of funding “accessible” and “understandable”. It explained that UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a non- departmental public body sponsored by DSIT, is developing a Simpler and Better Funding programme to make it easier for applicants to find funding opportunities.23 Innovate UK, part of UKRI, has recently launched the latest version of its online Innovation Hub.24 This is intended to serve as a “front door” for helping businesses understand what support might be available, and is a search tool so that businesses can see the range of government innovation support in one place.25 DSIT saw this online portal as a “useful and important step forward”.26 While these tools are in the early stage of use, it is too early to tell whether they have made it easier for businesses to find government support for net zero research and innovation,27 or whether prompt decisions are being taken on applications for support. Consumers’ adoption of new technologies