MillionPlus welcomes the UKRI strategic plan

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has welcomed the UK Research and Innovation strategic plan, published today (14 May).

Dr Greg Walker, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“MillionPlus welcomes the UKRI strategic plan, the strengths of which include its focus on inter- and multi-disciplinary research and development, its emphasis of the need for maintained international collaboration in global research and the key importance it attributes to innovation work between universities and industry.

“We would have wished to have seen more strategic emphasis on how UKRI’s R&D and innovation investment will dovetail with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and regional economic development agendas. Though place-based development is briefly featured in one or two sections, such as in relation to the Strength in Places Fund, it cannot be said to be a core theme of the document. The Industrial Strategy and the UKRI strategic plan should be considered two interwoven strands for the UK’s future prosperity. MillionPlus and its universities will work with UKRI and Research England to facilitate the connections between these critical strategies.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
2. Modern universities: key facts 2017
3. Strategic Prospectus: Building the UKRI Strategy is available here
4. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk