By Dr Chris Worrall – Head of Innovation
I’m pleased to share in this blog how the Department of Research and Innovation (DRI) has been engaging with the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy sector plans. Out of eight plans, we have now completed our review of four: Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and Digital & Technologies. These documents set the direction for the UK’s economic and technological future, and our university’s role within it.
Why These Plans Matter
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Innovate UK are actively encouraging, and in many cases, requiring, universities to align their research, innovation, and skills strategies with the priorities set out in these sector plans. This alignment is not just a matter of policy compliance; it is central to accessing future funding, forming strategic partnerships, and ensuring our research has national impact. The importance of this approach has been reinforced in the recent Post-16 Education White Paper review, which highlights how universities must demonstrate their contribution to national industrial strategy and respond to the evolving needs of the UK economy. For the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, engaging with these plans is essential to remain competitive, relevant, and at the forefront of research and innovation.
UK Academia: At the Heart of Delivery
Across all four plans, the role of universities is prominent and strategic:
Opportunities for Collaboration:
The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is well-placed to lead and participate in regional and national innovation clusters, contribute to skills development, and partner with industry on research translation.
Access to Funding:
New and expanded funding streams are available for collaborative R&D, infrastructure, and skills programmes. We will be proactive in identifying and pursuing these opportunities.
Influence on Policy and Strategy:
Our engagement with these plans ensures that the university’s voice is heard in shaping the future of UK research and innovation policy.
Preparing for the Future:
The focus on dual-use technologies, supply chain resilience, and advanced manufacturing means our research and teaching must continue to adapt to emerging priorities.
Where the Government Is Investing
- Defence: The MOD’s R&D budget will exceed £2 billion in 2026–27, with a commitment to spend at least 10% of the equipment budget on novel technologies. New Defence Growth Deals and the UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) initiative will channel investment into frontier industries; AI, quantum, cyber, engineering biology, and advanced connectivity, where academic partnerships are essential.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Up to £4.3 billion is committed to the sector, including £2.8 billion for R&D. Programmes like Made Smarter, the Battery Innovation Programme, and the National Materials Innovation Programme are designed to connect academic research with industry needs. Investment Zones and Freeports (including Solent) are being leveraged to drive regional growth.
- Life Sciences: The sector could grow by £41 billion by 2035, with major investments in the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), Health Data Research Service (HDRS), and advanced therapies. The plan sets ambitious targets for clinical trials, manufacturing, and NHS adoption of innovation, all requiring academic leadership.
- Engineering Biology: The government has committed an initial £196 million for a National Engineering Biology Programme and £184 million for scale-up infrastructure, recognising the potential for engineering biology to drive economic growth, address societal challenges, and enhance national resilience. The Digital & Technologies Sector Plan specifically highlights the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú as a centre for innovation in engineering biology, referencing our work in areas such as preventing plastic pollution and developing sustainable biotechnologies.
- Digital & Technologies: Record public and private R&D investment is being directed at AI, quantum, cyber, semiconductors, and engineering biology. The government is backing AI Growth Zones, new compute infrastructure, and skills programmes like TechFirst, with universities as key delivery partners.
What This Means for Us
Opportunities for Collaboration:
The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is well-placed to lead and participate in regional and national innovation clusters, contribute to skills development, and partner with industry on research translation.
Access to Funding:
New and expanded funding streams are available for collaborative R&D, infrastructure, and skills programmes. We will be proactive in identifying and pursuing these opportunities.
Influence on Policy and Strategy:
Our engagement with these plans ensures that the university’s voice is heard in shaping the future of UK research and innovation policy.
Preparing for the Future:
The focus on dual-use technologies, supply chain resilience, and advanced manufacturing means our research and teaching must continue to adapt to emerging priorities.
Next Steps
We will continue to review the remaining sector plans and share further insights. I encourage all colleagues to consider how your work aligns with these national priorities and to reach out to DRI if you are interested in collaborative opportunities or have ideas for engagement.