Research and innovation

Investing in research and innovation is essential for tackling global-scale challenges from climate, planetary heath and security, to our ability to manage future shocks, from manmade disasters to pandemics. It generates the new knowledge, technologies and jobs that power a successful economy and improve people’s lives and opportunities.

The UK government has committed to increase public investment in research and development (R&D) to £20 billion a year by 2025. This is a chance to maximise the UK’s strengths in science, research and innovation in ways that lead us to a better future.

With global competition for R&D talent and investment rapidly increasing, the UK should go further still in setting an ambitious target to lead the G7 group of nations on R&D intensity, while developing a long-term plan for science that ensures a stable environment for pursuing ground-breaking discoveries and innovations.

The Royal Society is working to create a strong and healthy science system in the UK, built on the ideas and talents of researchers across academia, industry, and other sectors, which can benefit us all.