The Prime Minister has announced a £1 billion commitment with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) over the next four years to support clusters across the UK with the potential to become world-leading.
Speaking at the Innovation Nation Summit in Manchester on 9 October, he outlined a more place-based approach to innovation bringing together business, universities and local government to build on regional strengths.
The speech recognised advanced materials and manufacturing, including the emerging cluster at Atom Valley in Greater Manchester. References to photonics, compound semiconductors, quantum research, life sciences and the ambition to make nuclear fusion a commercial possibility further highlighted the breadth of sectors in which materials research underpins future economic growth and technological advancement.
Its emphasis on collaboration between complementary clusters also highlights opportunities to connect materials research expertise, innovation infrastructure and industrial capability across the UK. This aligns closely with ongoing efforts to strengthen the UK’s materials ecosystem and accelerate the translation of research into economic and societal impact.
The speech separately announced plans to devolve Local Innovation Partnerships funding to established mayors from 2028 and set out a commitment to work more closely with regions to support innovation-led growth.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the challenge of helping UK companies scale. He signalled further action on access to domestic capital, public procurement and tax incentives to encourage innovative businesses to stay, grow and commercialise their technologies in the UK.
For the materials community the announcements signal growing recognition of the role that regional innovation ecosystems, research infrastructure and industry collaboration will play in delivering the UK’s ambitions for innovation-led growth.
