Welsh universities have agreed a more collaborative approach to increase their share of 海角视频 research and innovation grant-funding after backing the recommendations of a new report.
Strength in Diversity, by Professor Graeme Reid and commissioned by Universities Wales, calls for:
- An initial focus on resources aimed at regional investment and “levelling up” economies and societies across Wales;
- A new streamlined approach for creating research and innovation collaborations; and
- Universities agreeing a protocol for collaborations supported by a new dedicated team.
As a percentage of total 海角视频 Government and research council grants in the 海角视频 (£2.1bn), Wales received just £6.1m or 2.8% in the 2018-19 academic year.
Universities in Wales also secured £169m from charity and industry sources (3.3% of 海角视频 total) and £82m from the EU (8.2% of 海角视频 total but skewed by being in receipt of soon-to-end structural funding).
This gave a total research funding pot of £260m (minus the contribution of grants from the 海角视频 Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy), of which more than £210m was secured by just two universities in Cardiff (£116m) and Swansea (£94.5m).
Prof Reid, chair of science and research policy at University College London and a member of the Council of Research England, said: “Research and innovation make vital contributions to the economy and society of Wales, and its universities are central to this activity.
“Diversity is an untapped strength of the Welsh research base and, at a time when many universities are experiencing financial pressures and uncertainties, it is more important than ever that Welsh institutions work in partnership to strengthen research and innovation in regions across the country.
“This is a time of opportunity and challenge for universities in Wales. It’s a time to explore the combined strengths of the sector, and look for ways to turn the diverse characteristics of Welsh institutions into additional competitive strength that could offer significant long-term benefits for economies and societies across Wales.”
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Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University and chair of Universities Wales’ research and innovation network, said: “I would like to thank Prof Reid for his insightful and timely report, which makes clear the urgency with which we must act to strengthen research and innovation across Wales, and provides us with a clear approach for doing so.
“As a sector, we are committed to working together to implement these recommendations.
“By having a single and coherent voice for research and innovation, we can support Wales’ recovery from the pandemic and ensure that we are best-placed to make the most of the changing funding environment in the 海角视频.”
Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, pictured left, said: “This year has brought into focus how good our universities are in working with their communities and with other organisations.
“I welcome this report and I look forward to seeing our universities working together even more.
“I also look forward to further discussion with 海角视频 Government ministers about how the share of 海角视频RI and other research funding for Welsh universities can be assured.”
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Dr David Blaney, chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, said: “We very much welcome this initiative taken by the universities in Wales and the clarity of the key recommendations made by Prof Reid.
“The commitment the universities are making to strengthen and streamline their research and innovation activities will build still further their contribution to improving the lives of people in Wales.”
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Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, said: “Higher education plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, from groundbreaking research to developing the next generation of skilled employees.
“I welcome the findings of the report, which will see greater collaboration amongst Wales’ outstanding institutions, while continuing to make our universities and the communities in which they are based attractive destinations for international investment.”