The country’s research community gathered in Liverpool on the 23rd October to discuss potential benefits of devolving research budgets and policymaking to English regions.
The event, organised by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FST) and supported by the University of Liverpool, was chaired by the Rt Hon Lord David Willetts and featured a panel of speakers including University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones, Thomas O’Brien (Vice-Chair. Liverpool City Region Innovation Zones), Dr Lesley Thompson (Vice-President Funders Global; Business Development, Elsevier) and Dean Cook (Executive Director – Place, Innovate UK, UKRI).
The speakers and audience discussed the links between R&D and economic output in different geographical areas, and English regions increasingly developing plans for economic development based on their own circumstances.
They discussed the current UK research funding landscape and how different regions contributed to an incredibly strong UK research sector which feeds into economic output.
The discussion then explored the advantages and disadvantages of potential further devolution.
The event, which took place in the Spine Building, also launched the new Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions (NOMES) Centre for Doctoral Training which is being led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool said: “It was inspiring to discuss regional R&D challenges with colleagues from the higher education sector and beyond.
“There are a number of place-based modifications to the current national research funding and policy landscape which I believe could benefit regional R&D and in turn national growth and I hope to continue the conversation around these and other potential strategies suggested by the panel and audience.
“I’d like to thank the FST and University of Liverpool colleagues for bringing this important discussion meeting to our city.”