Will the Government make a statement in response to the report in the London Economics: 'The impact of higher education teaching, research, and innovation', which shows disproportion in the distribution of UKRI research funding, with Wales receiving 2.6 per cent of the funding?
The 2.6% figure is a long standing and recognised issue. Historically, the Welsh higher education research and innovation community has received funding from EU Structural Funds administered by WEFO. Brexit requires a transition away from these funds and should incentivise institutions becoming more competitive in gaining a greater share of UKRI funding, including increasing capacity and capability to better align with the priorities of the bigger spending Research Councils (EPSRC and MRC). Medr also has a key role to play and has recognised ‘growing internationally acclaimed research and inspiring innovation throughout the sector’ in its strategic plan currently published for consultation.