Million Plus

The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the Confederation of British Industry’s call for more government investment in research and development (R&D) and said that the country’s industrial strategy would be enhanced if a new stream of funding for translational research was created. The university think-tank have previously called for more expenditure in R&D to ensure better growth.

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive, million+ said: “The CBI is right to conclude that Britain lags behind our competitors in investment in research and development. However Ministers also need to grasp the nettle and ensure that any increase in research funding is not focused on a few universities.

“A new stream of funding for translational research is required to ensure that all universities can work with regional businesses and supply chains to improve outcomes and quality. This would have the advantage of being more responsive to local needs and add value and strengthen regions outside of London and the South-East which have yet to recover from the economic downturn.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Rochelle Owusu- Antwi, Press and Communications Officer, million+ on 020 7717 1658 / 07527 336 795 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk.
2. million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk.
3. The CBI 'Pulling Together' report and further information can be found here.

4. The million+ ‘The Innovation Challenge: A new approach to research funding’ report can be found in full here.