Regional leaders in the four UK nations are being offered £30m to support local science and tech specialties as part of a government fund to drive innovation throughout various hubs.
The latest regions set to receive backing from the £500m Local Innovation Partnerships Fund – first announced during last month’s Spending Review – are the Glasgow City Region, Cardiff Capital Region, Belfast and Derry.
These locations were designated as high-potential areas within their respective nations and will add to the previous seven regions in England to secure their share of the scheme, including the North East and Greater Manchester.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is inviting other regions to bid for participation in the programme, with guidance on the competition to secure funds to be published soon.
As part of the Local Innovations Partnerships Fund, local leaders in the regions will work with businesses, research institutions and UKRI to invest the funding into science and technology priority areas. Depending on the region’s specialties, this could include life sciences, green energy AI and more.
“All across the UK there are incredible projects and fantastic innovation taking place. We know that these are critical for the UK’s success,” said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.
“This fund now gives local leaders in every nation of the UK the chance to proudly capitalise on their city or region’s expertise, from AI to life sciences, medicines to engineering, and beyond, to make a difference to lives across the country.
The fund forms part of the £86bn research and development settlement announced by the government.
“The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund will give regions the opportunity to set their own priorities, allowing them to amplify their strengths, boost innovation and growth,” said Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK.
“Collaboration is at the core of this fund, which will enable local partners, businesses, key growth sectors and universities to work closely together to achieve the common goal of transformative change in their region for local people.”
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