The UK is recognised as being a global leader in research and innovation. In March 2020, the Chancellor committed to a record increase in public investment in R&D of £22bn per year by 2024/25, reaching 2.4% of GDP by 2027 in the Research and Development Roadmap. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of higher education institutions has never been more crucial in building back better.

Research and innovation has the potential to drive economic growth, create a diverse range of jobs and bring together local communities and businesses. The Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda supports regional economic growth and provides additional funding to support communities. In September 2020, the government announced that it was reducing the amount of bureaucracy in research, innovation, and higher education in order to free up providers to concentrate on delivering the high-quality teaching and research that our economy and society need. In June 2021, the Government pledged £64 million towards a super-charged clinical research system.

This timely event will deliver a comprehensive overview of the most current issues surrounding higher education research and innovation. It will examine how higher education institutions can maximise their potential, gain access to funding, and work collaboratively with multiple partners to deliver the government’s vision for building back better in the post-pandemic recovery.