The UK government has allocated £20.4 billion for research and development (R&D) in its latest Autumn Budget 

This hopes to accelerate economic growth and secure the country’s position as a global innovation leader.

This investment, the highest ever for the UK’s R&D sector, shows the government’s dedication to advancing scientific and technological progress.

Continued participation in Horizon Europe secured

The funding also ensures that the UK’s full participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s leading collaborative research program, will be maintained, opening doors to extensive scientific partnerships and over £80 billion in potential research funding.

This budget prioritises the life sciences sector with the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), a £520 million commitment to advancing the UK’s capacity to develop essential medicines.

Expected to unlock up to £1.8 billion in private investment, the fund will support thousands of skilled jobs and boost the UK’s preparedness for future health crises.

The Innovation Accelerator program

Further supporting regional economic growth, the government has renewed its commitment to the Innovation Accelerator program. This initiative focuses on fostering high-potential innovation clusters in areas like Greater Manchester, the Glasgow City Region, and the West Midlands, encouraging the development of industries such as clean tech and advanced manufacturing.

The budget also introduces the R&D Missions Programme, with an initial investment of £25 million to drive projects aligned with the country’s national missions, from advancing healthcare to achieving a green energy transition. The program aims to convert scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions that benefit society and the economy.

In support of early-stage innovation, the government announced a £40 million Proof of Concept Fund designed to help UK universities and researchers commercialise their innovations, promoting the creation of high-growth start-ups. This fund aims to help researchers bring their concepts to market, driving job creation and regional development across the country.

Long-term economic resilience

£500 million has been allocated to Project Gigabit, which focuses on expanding digital infrastructure in underserved regions, and £80 million will go toward improving shared services across multiple government departments, enhancing efficiency and delivering better taxpayer value.

With this strong financial support, the government is doubling down on its commitment to science and technology as a primary driver of long-term economic resilience. This R&D investment not only strengthens the UK’s position in global innovation but also addresses core challenges in healthcare, digital access, and regional economic equality.