Responding to the announcement that £86 billion will be pledged in the Spending Review towards the UK’s fastest growing sectors as part of the government’s plan to invest in Britain’s renewal through its Modern Industrial Strategy, Dr Annette Bramley, Director of the N8 Research Partnership, said:
“Yesterday’s confirmation of an £86 billion R&D investment over four years marks a pivotal moment for the UK’s regions, signalling real intent from the Government to align world-leading research with local economic regeneration.
“The N8 Research Partnership’s eight universities across Northern England are ready to turn this investment into impact – driving innovation, creating high-value jobs, and supporting vibrant and prosperous communities.
“This announcement comes just weeks after a new report by London Economics revealed that the N8’s universities generated £18.8 billion in economic impact for the UK in 2021-22 alone. Following the publication of the report, we called for public investment to be targeted where it delivers the greatest return to help our universities deliver even greater outcomes – and this is exactly what the Chancellor has done.
“The N8 looks forward to working with its partners in local and national government and the public and private sectors to ensure this settlement delivers upon its substantial potential – helping to deliver stronger regions, smarter spending, and a more resilient UK economy.”
To find out more about how the N8 universities are not only major drivers of economic growth in the North of England but deliver exceptional value for the UK as a whole, read the full London Economics report here: https://www.n8research.org.uk/media/LE-Economic-impact-of-N8-universities-Final-Report.pdf
To access case studies demonstrating N8 universities’ contribution to economic growth, please visit: https://www.n8research.org.uk/work-with-us/regional-growth/kickstart-economic-growth/