On 1 January 2024, the UK became an associated country under the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (see UKRI information on Horizon Europe).
The UK is home to some of the world’s leading scientific research, taking place in numerous universities, institutions, and companies. The UK holds the fourth place in the Global Innovation Index 2023 rankings.
The UK government has stated that its future success will depend on the ability to build on current strengths in science, technology, finance and innovation. It intends to make the UK a “science and technology superpower” by 2030, according to the UK Science and Technology Framework 2023. The Framework focuses on: identifying critical technologies, signalling the UK’s strengths and ambitions, investment in R&D, talent and skills, financing innovative science and technology companies, procurement, international opportunities, access to physical and digital infrastructure, regulation and standards, and promoting an innovative public sector.
The government has set a series of ambitious targets in relation to this superpower goal, including a target to spend 2.4% of UK GDP on research and development (R&D) by 2027. DSIT was formed in February 2023 to support its strategy. DSIT brings together the five technologies of tomorrow under one department – quantum, AI, engineering biology, semiconductors, future telecoms, together with life sciences, space and green technologies.
As part of the 1st EURAXESS ASEAN Quarterly Newsletter (April 2024), we have published a comprehensive Country Profile on the United Kingdom, its research strategy, the roles of universities and research institutions in international research collaboration and funding opportunities.
Download and read the full article here.