The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) has secured a new four-year funding commitment from Research England to boost collaboration between academia and industry.
The funding, which builds on the support of NCUB’s university and business members, will underpin an ambitious Forward Plan aimed at making the UK more competitive, more collaborative, and better prepared for future economic and societal challenges.
NCUB said the renewed investment would allow it to expand its role as a national convener and trusted voice on research, innovation and talent development. By providing insight, evidence and practical tools, the organisation helps ensure research can be translated into real-world innovations and long-term benefits for communities and the economy.
Unlike many sector bodies, NCUB combines government backing with membership contributions from both universities and businesses, a model it says ensures policy recommendations and practice are grounded in the realities of both sectors.
Over the next four years, NCUB’s strategy will focus on three core priorities: making the UK a more attractive destination for business investment, strengthening links between universities and companies to accelerate innovation, and building coordinated responses to global change across the skills, research and innovation system.
Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England, said the funding recognised NCUB’s national importance: “This funding recognises the vital role of the National Centre for Universities and Business in strengthening the links between research and industry. By supporting collaboration at a national level, we can help turn research into practical innovation that boosts economic growth and addresses the UK’s long-term challenges underpinned by our great university system.”
Sam Laidlaw, Chair of NCUB, welcomed the renewed commitment: “We deeply appreciate this renewed investment from Research England, alongside the steadfast support of our university and business members. Together, these partnerships highlight the indispensable role of collaboration as a driving force within the UK’s research and innovation system. This combined backing empowers us to partner with policymakers, share best practice, and deliver the evidence needed to build a more resilient and dynamic ecosystem that benefits communities across the nation.”
The funding renewal comes at a critical time, with the government seeking to stimulate productivity, strengthen innovation, and attract investment through closer links between higher education and industry.
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NCUB secures four-year Research England funding to strengthen university-business collaboration