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Public Attitudes to R&D 2025: Investing in R&D

26 Feb 2026

This briefing summarises findings on attitudes to R&D investment from CaSE’s Public Attitudes to R&D 2025 study, which comprised a nationally representative survey of 8,000 UK adults, eight focus groups and 20+ follow-up interviews. Full results can be found on CaSE’s Public Opinion Research pages.

Key points include:

  • The principle of Government investment in R&D is well supported
  • Despite some concerns, the role of private sector R&D is appreciated
  • The public support fundamental R&D and research into health and energy

I think it is important for the UK government to invest in R&D because I think it can be a vehicle for innovation and change. I think my hesitation again around the investment will be waste.

Male, 35-44, Nottingham