Industry experts predict that up to £4billion could be raised by the Government in auctioning off the UK’s 4G mobile spectrum. CaSE and Nesta argues that the money, which is a return on past generations’ investment in science and technology, should be reinvested in helping the UK become a growing, high-tech economy. This report details how the government could make such proposals a reality.
The 4Growth campaign also set up an online petition, backed by leading figures from the world of science and technology, including physicist Brian Cox, former President of the Royal Society Lord Martin Rees, Noble laureate Andre Geim, and doctor and author Ben Goldacre.
It's 4Growth Report
DownloadRelated resources
Conservative Party plans highlight the shifting political landscape for UK R&D
30 April 2026
Conservative Party have presented a defence policy proposal that includes a reduction of UKRI funding by £2 billion per year. CaSE has looked at this proposal and what it indicates about the wider position of R&D in public policy.
Julia Lopez MP reply to CaSE letter on Conservative defence R&D plans
30 April 2026
CaSE has received a reply to our letter to the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Julia Lopez MP, which asked for clarity surrounding their policy position that would see a reduction of UKRI funding by £2 billion per year.
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.
Government R&D expenditure grows as the balance shifts
22 April 2026
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published the latest Government Expenditure on R&D (GovERD) statistics for 2024, which provide estimates of R&D performed in and funded by UK government departments and the devolved administrations.