This briefing outlines the importance of science and engineering to the future of the UK economy, how the UK compares internationally and how EU membership and European funding impacts UK success.
Science and innovation are some of the UK’s world leading strengths and are at the heart of the UK’s future success. However, evidence shows we are at risk of falling behind our international competition through structural underinvestment in R&D with knock on effects to our skills base and attractiveness as a place for industry to invest. The UK disproportionately benefits from European funding for research.
CaSE briefing on UK and European investment in science and engineering
Download ReportRelated resources
R&D must adapt to stay relevant in an uncertain world
10 June 2026
This post first appeared in Research Fortnight, Camilla d’Angelo discusses why the R&D sector must adapt to stay relevant in an uncertain world.
An update on UKRI’s funding changes
30 April 2026
A recap of the updates and discussions surrounding the new UKRI budget framework and a summary of the latest dialogue between UKRI and the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
Reimagining R&D: What future does the sector want for UK R&D?
28 April 2026
As both the global and national picture for R&D continues to change, this work sets out to explore what the future might hold in the coming decades.
‘High-level mapping’ and past comparisons
03 March 2026
Analysis of ‘high-level mapping’ of the new UKRI ‘buckets’ system and what they tell us about UK R&D funding.