The decision to bring the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) into the new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade has prompted considerable discussion across the UK’s innovation community.
Some are concerned that it represents the loss of a dedicated voice for science and innovation. Others argue that it creates a stronger connection between research, business, trade and economic growth. The more important question, however, is whether this change creates greater alignment between research, innovation, investment and industrial strategy—or whether it introduces another period of uncertainty into a sector that depends on long-term confidence.
The UK Catapult Network was established to bridge the gap between world-class research and commercial application. It connects academia with industry, helping businesses adopt emerging technologies, increase productivity and strengthen UK competitiveness. In this context, that mission has never been more important. If innovation policy becomes more closely integrated with business and trade, there is a genuine opportunity to accelerate the commercial adoption of new technologies and reinforce the UK’s industrial ambitions.
That opportunity is reflected in comments from Graham Hoare, CEO of the UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC):
“Manufacturing, innovation and productivity go hand in hand, and bringing these disciplines closer together presents a real opportunity to accelerate growth, strengthen competitiveness and support the reindustrialisation of our economy.”
The UK has spent years building a respected innovation ecosystem through organisations such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Innovate UK and the Catapult Network. Together they provide the research capability, funding, industry partnerships and commercial expertise that enable ideas to move from laboratory to marketplace. Within this context the immediate questions for government, industry and the wider innovation community are:
- Will priorities remain consistent?
- Will funding decisions continue at pace?
- Will businesses still have clear routes into government support?
- Will long-term programmes continue with confidence?
Innovation depends on confidence. Businesses invest when policy is stable. Researchers collaborate when funding is predictable. International investors commit capital when they see long-term strategic direction. Perhaps the greatest challenge is that innovation operates on a very different timescale to politics. Governments and departments inevitably change. Ministers come and go. Strategies evolve. Innovation does not.
Developing breakthrough technologies, building industrial capability and creating globally competitive businesses takes decades—not political cycles. For that reason, continuity matters as much as change.
The UK’s innovation ecosystem has become one of its greatest strategic assets because organisations such as UKRI, Innovate UK, the Catapults, universities and industry have developed increasingly connected pathways from discovery to commercialisation. Protecting that momentum should remain a priority, regardless of changes to departmental structures. Ultimately, the success of this restructuring will be based on whether more businesses innovate, whether more research reaches the market, whether productivity improves and whether the UK strengthens its international competitiveness. The UK’s innovation ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable resilience through successive changes in government and policy. The challenge now is ensuring that this latest transition strengthens—not interrupts—that momentum.
If you are in the innovation sector and would like to hear more about McLean Public’s work, insights or events in this area please get in touch with Rebecca Jones: rebecca.jones@mcleanpublic.com or mobile: 07717757158
