EVENTS
Can we devolve more science and innovation spending?
- October 7, 2026 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
- Dinner, Discussion
- The Royal Society and Online
There is a growing debate about how the UK’s science and innovation funding is distributed, and whether giving cities and regions greater control over investment could help drive economic growth across the country.
But what would greater devolution mean in practice? Could it help places build on their existing strengths and develop new clusters of research and innovation? How should decisions about funding be divided between national institutions and local leaders? And how can the UK support growth across the country while maintaining the research excellence, infrastructure and critical mass that underpin its international competitiveness?
This Foundation for Science and Technology discussion will bring together perspectives from research, policy and regional economic development to explore the opportunities and challenges of devolving more science and innovation spending.
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The Lord O'Neill of Gatley Economist and Former Government Adviser |
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Professor Dame Jessica Corner DBE Executive Chair, Research England |
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Professor Richard Jones FRS Chair of Materials Physics and Innovation Policy, The University of Manchester |
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The Rt Hon the Lord Willetts FRS Chair, The Foundation for Science and Technology |
The event will be followed by a dinner and after-dinner discussion with the speakers and invited guests.