Innovation Co-operation Between Universities and Businesses 2024-02-21
2024-02-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is inquiring about the government's efforts to encourage collaboration between educational institutions and private enterprises for innovation purposes.
Whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on encouraging co-operation between universities and businesses to promote innovation. My Department has several programmes aimed at breaking down barriers between these two sectors, contributing to nearly 90,000 interactions reported in the previous year.
I speak to colleagues regularly on this topic. Our science and technology framework translates university rankings into tangible benefits for the UK, contributing to nearly 90,000 interactions reported in 2021-22. University of Huddersfield received £1.63 million through the higher education innovation fund.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about future job creation and incentives was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is questioning the Secretary of State about steps taken to encourage UK universities and businesses to participate in these international programmes following a delayed start.
On 1 January, the UK became an associate member of the Horizon Europe programme and Copernicus. Given our delayed start, could she say what steps are being taken to encourage participation by UK entities?
My right hon. Friend raises a valid point. Commissioner Ivanova's news last week indicated excellent uptake early on, with some programmes projecting an over 50% increase. We are not complacent, launching international marketing campaigns, introducing pump-priming schemes, and initiating roadshows.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's late entry into the Horizon Europe programme and Copernicus and seeks to understand how the government is addressing this issue.
On 1 January, the UK became an associate member of the Horizon Europe programme and Copernicus. Given our delayed start, could the Secretary of State say what steps she is taking to encourage participation by UK universities and businesses?
My right hon. Friend makes a valid point. We launched a comprehensive international marketing campaign, introduced a pump-priming scheme with the British Academy and started roadshows.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the importance of sustained investment in research and development to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and economic growth, questioning the government's commitment compared to Labour's proposal.
British researchers are among the best in the world. We are not so good at turning our brilliant research into economic growth through collaboration with businesses throughout the long years of discovery, testing, adoption and commercialisation. Funding science in chunks of three years or less does not help. Does she agree with Labour's commitment to set 10-year budgets for funding bodies?
While the words sound good, it is this Government who are delivering on our plan. We published a response to the spin-out review recently and are making record levels of investment—£20 billion in research and development.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about 10-year budgets was not directly addressed.
While The Words Sound Good, It Is This Government Who Are Delivering On Our Plan.
Response accuracy