The EPC response to this consultation can be found here.
The Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee is launching an inquiry into “Innovation, growth and the regions” to assess the role of the UK’s innovation ecosystem in achieving the Government’s mission to kickstart economic growth across the country. Details of the inquiry can be found here. The deadline for submissions is Monday 13th January.
The inquiry will focus on how the Government’s £20.4 billion investment in research and development contributes to economic growth by considering the following three questions:
- How does the Government drive research and innovation in our regions?
- How does research and innovation in our regions drive growth and prosperity in those regions?
- How is research and innovation diffused or supported to drive productivity and growth in the regions, wherever it may come from?
The inquiry will consider the role of structural factors—such as the tax system, regulatory requirements, and standards—in influencing the success of start-ups, spin-outs, and other innovation-focused enterprises. The Committee will assess the health of the country’s innovation ecosystem across the nations and regions. It will look at the interplay of local and national government policy, access to investment, research clusters, and infrastructure in fostering innovation and making the regions an engine for growth.
It will explore how universities and businesses work together to commercialise research and to tackle obstacles such as funding and market access. It will evaluate the link between innovation and economic growth both regionally and nationally, drawing lessons from international comparators and considering the impact of regional clusters and hubs, including the Catapult network.
Given the timescale, the EPC is seeking member and committee input to guide an Executive response. Please share your thoughts by Wednesday January 8th.
