Commercialisation of Science and Technology Research North-east England 2023-03-15
2023-03-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The north-east is a centre for scientific research with over £2 billion contributed by 3,500 tech firms. European structural funds supporting small businesses are ending soon.
What steps she is taking to support the commercialisation of science and technology research in North East England? The region has over 3,500 tech firms contributing £2 billion to its economy. Support from European structural funds for SMEs will end this month; what will be done to ensure such support continues?
We have set out the shared prosperity fund, which is now deployed around the country. We committed to increasing domestic research and development outside the greater south-east by 40% between now and 2030. The Chancellor will make announcements today about supporting regional science and technology growth.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for continued support of small businesses after European structural funds cease were not addressed
Preempting The Chancellor'S Announcement
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The north-east is home to thousands of science start-ups facing a loss of £120 million in European structural funds this month.
North-east England hosts 3,500 tech firms contributing over £2 billion to the local economy. What will be done to ensure that support for their development continues after the end of European structural funds at the end of this month?
The UK has seen a 1,000% growth in life sciences over ten years. The north-east is leading this development. R&D tax credits are up significantly due to increased innovation spending from 1.7% of GDP to 2.8%. Details on addressing the issues raised will be provided by the Chancellor later.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact of ending EU regional funding and lack of specific measures were not addressed directly
Attacking The Opposition'S Perspective
Redirecting To Broader Economic Success
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Nissan in Sunderland is a highly productive plant within the global Nissan network.
What meetings has the Minister had with Nissan about its operations?
Since taking office, no specific meetings have been held with Nissan. However, the department is working closely with companies on clean tech and energy technologies in collaboration with other government departments.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about meetings with Nissan were not provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
UK regions are home to thousands of innovative businesses facing challenges such as reduced R&D tax credits, loss of EU funding, lack of access to capital, and uncertainty over Horizon Europe association.
Across the country, our regions house thousands of brilliant science start-ups. However, they face a 'Tory quadruple whammy': reduced R&D tax credits by £100,000 annually; loss of EU regional development funding (£120 million); limited access to capital; and uncertainty over Horizon Europe association. Which barriers will the Minister address today?
It is unfortunate that the shadow spokeswoman talks down the UK sector. Over ten years, life sciences have grown 1,000% in the north-east alone. R&D tax credits have increased due to our innovation economy growing from 1.7% of GDP to 2.8%. More details will be provided by the Chancellor regarding tax and business environment.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific challenges faced by businesses were not directly addressed, focusing instead on broad economic achievements
Attacking The Opposition'S Perspective
Redirecting To Broader Economic Success
Response accuracy