Among an announcement confirming the UK Government’s commitment to investment zones throughout the UK, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a funding boost for science and innovation in Glasgow.

The Treasury has confirmed that outside of England, the devolved administrations will share four investment zones, each backed with £80 million.

On top of this, Hunt confirmed that Glasgow, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will share another £100 million to support them “to become globally competitive centres for research and innovation.”

The investment zones are to be set up in a bid to “drive investment business investment and level up,” with a focus on growth in five sectors: life sciences, creative industries, digital technology, advanced manufacturing and green industries.

Set to be created around universities and research institutions, the investment zones will also offer “generous tax incentives,” according to the Chancellor.

Hunt added: “True levelling up must be about local wealth creation and local decision-making to unblock obstacles to regeneration.

“From unleashing opportunity through new Investment Zones, to a new approach to accelerating R&D in city regions, we are delivering on our key priority to supercharge growth across the country”.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “Levelling up means backing local growth across the UK, driving innovation to attract investment and putting power into the hands of local communities so they can reach their full potential. Our new investment zones and Levelling Up Partnerships will deliver more jobs, better services and more opportunities for local people.”

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Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “This government has made clear its aim for the United Kingdom to be transformed into a scientific and technologic superpower, not only pushing our country forward, but the whole world.

“Cutting-edge innovation starts at a local level. That’s why these plans to invest £100m into 26 groundbreaking projects in Glasgow, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands are so important, supporting them to become the future centres of research and innovation in the United Kingdom.”