Regional Innovation 2023-06-14
2023-06-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern about the uneven distribution of R&D funding in UK regions, citing his constituency's need for support.
I am concerned about steps to support innovation in all parts of the UK. What specific measures are being taken?
To support innovation across the whole of the UK, we are investing £52 billion in public research and development over three years. We have committed to increasing R&D funding outside the greater south-east by 40%. We also have an active programme through Catapults, innovation accelerators, and cluster support.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the historical importance of innovation in her constituency, referencing specific local companies and a House of Lords report recommending regional targets for rebalancing research funding.
Innovation is a key part of my region's heritage. Given the recommendation by the House of Lords Committee to set individual regional R&D targets, will you bring forward such targets as part of the levelling-up mission?
We are working on setting out a digital cluster map showing all private and public funding by region, and we will increase it. We have put one of our three innovation accelerators worth £30 million into the west midlands.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific regional targets not addressed directly
Working On
Setting Out
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the logic of government plans for space infrastructure projects in his constituency, juxtaposed with proposals to place a migrant camp nearby.
Given the Government's push for innovation through space infrastructure at RAF Scampton, how does it reconcile this ambition with placing a refugee camp next to it, potentially hindering such infrastructure?
I cannot comment on Home Office plans regarding refugees. However, I can say that Scampton Holdings Ltd is proposing innovative regeneration with various facilities including support for innovation.
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Assessment & feedback
Home Office plan to deal with refugees
Cannot Comment
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP underlined the crucial role of Metro Mayors in driving regional innovation and sought assurance on cooperation.
Metro Mayors play a critical role in driving regional innovation. Can you assure me that your Department will work closely with them?
Yes, I am delighted to do so. The three innovation accelerators are co-created and led from the bottom up in Glasgow, Manchester, and the west midlands, and I am reaching out to work with Metro Mayors.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the stark contrast in science and technology employment between his constituency in the Yorkshire coalfield and Cambridge, questioning whether this was due to political preference.
My constituency has far fewer people employed in science and technology than Cambridge. Is it true that the golden triangle is preferred over the rest of the country?
The Oxford-Cambridge-London triangle is built on home to two of the world's top three universities. Our mission is to nurture an R&D economy nationwide, including a cluster in Yorkshire.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for disparity not addressed directly
Not Fair Or True
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP declared her chairmanship of the all-party group on photonics and quantum, highlighting the Fraunhofer Centre's achievements in collaboration but noting UK Government lack of core funding.
Despite its key role in the industrial strategy challenge fund, why has the UK Government not provided core funding to the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics at Strathclyde?
The UK Government are investing in Glasgow's cluster, including quantum. We put one of our three innovation accelerators there recently.
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Assessment & feedback
Direct core funding commitment not given
Investing
Accelerator
Response accuracy