The UK government is providing inventors and innovators with a £55 billion funding boost to research and development to drive growth and improve our daily lives.

The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology has confirmed long-term R&D funding for the UK’s research agencies and bodies, with bumper investment for the bodies that are making science and tech breakthroughs.

These allocations aim to give visibility and clarity on the development of DSIT’s plans for R&D budgets, with the Department’s overall R&D budget growing in real terms.

New analysis from the UK government shows the value of public investment in R&D to the UK –  with every £1 spent delivering £8 in net economic benefits over the long-term. Crowding in private investment is a key part of this, with every £1 of public money invested in R&D crowding in a further £2 in private investment, on average.

In the 6 years after receiving their first R&D grant funding, employment increases in the average business by 21% and turnover grows by 23% relative to similar firms who didn’t get support. Some of the UK’s most innovative businesses have had public R&D funding help springboard them to success.

“Backing our best and brightest researchers and innovators is essential. They are making the impossible, possible, from health to clean energy and beyond. Their ideas will create tomorrow’s industries, boosting growth and transforming public services now and in the future,” Liz Kendall, science and technology secretary, said.

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“By investing in their work, we are backing the long-term success of the UK, by paving the way for breakthroughs that will help us all to live and work better.”

The funding confirmed this round, which covers the Spending Review period ending in 2026/2030, includes:

• UKRI, the UK’s national funding agency for science and research, will deliver more than £38 billion across the period, including nearly £10 billion in 2029/2030 alone
• The budget for ARIA – the UK’s agency backing bold, long-term breakthroughs – to rise from £220 million a year to £400 million a year by 2029/2030. One area that ARIA is supporting, is how robots could potentially help meet the growing need for adult social care
• Over £1.4 billion total backing for the Met Office, to keep the UK at the forefront of climate science
• Over £900 million total backing for the UK’s prestigious National Academies
• Over £550 million for the National Measurement System, and £240 million for the AI Security Institute
• All these allocations will support vital investment in universities, research institutes, and businesses across the UK