Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Commercialisation of Science and Technology Research: North-east England

Wednesday 15 March 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister highlighted the shared prosperity fund deployed across the country to support regional development.
  • R&D tax credits have significantly increased, rising from 1.7% of GDP to 2.8% due to increased innovation spending.
  • No specific meetings have been held with Nissan since the Minister took office, though collaboration on clean tech and energy technologies continues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Economy Science & Technology
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.

Question

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?

Answer from George Freeman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for continued support of small businesses after European structural funds cease were not addressed

How: Preempting The Chancellor'S Announcement

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Economy Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

The north-east is home to thousands of science start-ups facing a loss of £120 million in European structural funds this month.

Question

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?

Answer from George Freeman

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.

Not addressed: The impact of ending EU regional funding and lack of specific measures were not addressed directly

How: Attacking The Opposition'S Perspective, Redirecting To Broader Economic Success

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Q3 Michael Fabricant Con
Business & Trade
Context

Nissan in Sunderland is a highly productive plant within the global Nissan network.

Question

What meetings has the Minister had with Nissan about its operations?

Answer from George Freeman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about meetings with Nissan were not provided

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Q4 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Science & Technology Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from George Freeman

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.

Not addressed: The specific challenges faced by businesses were not directly addressed, focusing instead on broad economic achievements

How: Attacking The Opposition'S Perspective, Redirecting To Broader Economic Success

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