Research England Announces Urgent £9.7 Million Boost for NCUB

URGENT UPDATE: Research England has just announced a significant investment of £9.7 million to bolster university-business collaborations across the UK. This funding, allocated over the next four years, is part of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)’s strategic ‘forward plan’ for 2025 to 2029, aimed at enhancing innovation and economic growth.

This announcement comes as the UK government emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to kick-start economic growth. The funding is a clear signal of Research England’s commitment to facilitating knowledge transfer and ensuring that innovation flows seamlessly among universities, businesses, and policymakers.

NCUB plays a critical role in this ecosystem by fostering partnerships that drive productivity and societal change. Its latest ‘state of the relationship report 2024’ highlights the progress made in university-business partnerships but also underscores the need for sustained investment and collaboration.

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England, stated, “This funding recognizes the vital role of NCUB in strengthening the links between research and industry. By supporting collaboration at a national level, we can help turn research into practical innovation that boosts economic growth and addresses the UK’s long-term challenges.”

The NCUB, under this new funding, plans to implement ambitious initiatives designed to transform the UK into a more competitive destination for business investment. This strategy includes understanding business needs, enhancing connections between academia and industry, and adapting to the rapidly changing global landscape.

Sam Laidlaw, Chair of NCUB, expressed gratitude for Research England’s investment, emphasizing its importance in driving university-business collaboration. “This funding empowers us to actively partner with policymakers and enhance best practices across universities and businesses,” Laidlaw said.

The initiatives funded by Research England will include expanding NCUB’s digital collaboration platform, konfer, which currently connects over 6,000 businesses and universities through nearly 2,000 collaboration opportunities. Additionally, NCUB will showcase more than 350 successful partnership case studies to inspire new collaborations.

As the UK faces numerous challenges, the partnership between universities and businesses will be crucial in creating a resilient research and innovation ecosystem. The latest funding aims to bridge gaps and ensure that both sectors can work together effectively, driving forward the nation’s economic recovery.

With this multi-million-pound boost, NCUB is set to play a pivotal role in shaping a future where university-business collaborations not only thrive but transform the UK’s economic landscape for generations to come.

Stay tuned for updates on how this funding will unfold and impact communities across the UK.