Universities are a crucial component of the research and
development (R&D) ecosystem. A thriving research system
generates significant benefits for the UK, driving not only
economic growth but also societal advancements, sometimes in ways
that are hard to measure.
In this latest briefing from the Campaign for Science and
Engineering (CaSE), we have drawn on the breadth of expertise of
our membership to capture the diverse benefits that
university-led R&D brings to both the research landscape and
to society more broadly. We have highlighted key themes and case
studies, expanding the evidence base on the value university
R&D brings across the UK, and ultimately supporting the
sector's advocacy for these vital institutions.
Six key benefits of University R&D identified by
CaSE:
-
Knowledge and Expertise
-
Infrastructure and Facilities
-
Convener and Arbitrator
-
Civic and Cultural Contributor
-
Talent and Skills
-
De-risking Research and Innovation
Universities are under significant financial pressure. To deliver
their role in the R&D ecosystem effectively, universities
must be supported to achieve long-term financial sustainability.
CaSE heard overwhelmingly from stakeholders within the sector
that universities are so intertwined in our research ecosystem
that we can't begin to predict the full cost of losing their
R&D contribution at the regional and national level. These
six benefits, although not always easily measured nor necessarily
accompanied with clear and direct financial returns, underpin all
UK R&D and its associated benefits to society and the
economy.
Companies and service providers that rely on the supply of
R&D and innovations universities provide will simply go and
find it elsewhere rather than stay in the region, or even in the
country. To retain this vital resource, it is imperative that the
new Government supports UK universities to achieve long-term
financial sustainability.
Commenting on the briefing:
Dr Daniel Rathbone, Deputy Executive Director, Campaign
for Science and Engineering (CaSE), said:
“The financial challenges facing universities across the UK are
significant. Our briefing demonstrates that all those that care
about the future of UK R&D must also care about the future of
our universities.
“We will be working with policymakers to ensure they are aware of
this strong evidence from our members and act to support a
crucial component of UK R&D”
Dr Florence Young, Policy Officer, Campaign for Science
and Engineering (CaSE), said:
“University led R&D is a crucial part of the UK's research
system. The direct economic value is well documented, however we
want to see more recognition of the many intangible benefits,
highlighted in this briefing, that are just as critical.
“Drawing on the knowledge and experience of our membership, we
have established a picture of how structurally embedded
universities are in the UK research system. If we lose this vital
component, the impact will be wide and hard to recover.”
Notes
Briefing published on CaSE website: https://www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/analysis-and-publications/detail/universities-a-crucial-component-of-uk-rd/
