Strength in Places Fund

Strength in Places Fund is a competitive Research and development funding programme established by the UK government. It is delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and aims to support significant regional economic growth by funding collaborative projects between research institutions and industry. The fund focuses on place-based innovation, seeking to build upon existing research and innovation strengths in specific geographical areas across the United Kingdom.

Overview

Announced in 2018 as part of the government's Industrial Strategy, the programme was designed to drive local economic prosperity through innovation. It operates on the principle that concentrated investments in areas with existing world-class research and enterprise can generate greater economic impact. The fund supports consortia that include partners such as universities, FE colleges, Catapult centres, and private sector companies like Rolls-Royce and AstraZeneca. Key figures involved in its development include former Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and former Business Secretary Greg Clark. The initiative aligns with broader UKRI goals and other place-based funds like the Levelling Up Fund.

Funding and administration

The fund is administered by UK Research and Innovation through a combination of its constituent bodies, including Research England and Innovate UK. Initial funding of £236 million was allocated in the 2018 Budget, with further rounds announced in subsequent spending reviews. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) provides overarching policy direction. Assessment of bids involves expert panels from institutions like the Royal Academy of Engineering and the British Academy. Funding is awarded through a phased process, with initial development grants followed by larger full-stage awards for projects that demonstrate strong potential for regional economic transformation, often in sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and net zero technologies.

Projects and impact

The fund has supported numerous major projects across the UK. Notable awards include a significant grant to the Crick Institute and partners in London for infectious disease research, and funding for a consortium in Wales focused on compound semiconductors linked to Cardiff University and IQE. In the North of England, projects have advanced advanced materials in Sheffield and sustainable energy in the Humber. The Midlands have seen investments in future transport technologies around Coventry and Birmingham. These projects aim to create high-skilled jobs, attract private investment from firms like GSK and Siemens, and strengthen regional R&D ecosystems, contributing to national goals outlined in the Innovation Strategy.

Criticisms and challenges

The programme has faced scrutiny regarding the complexity of its application process and the significant resource burden placed on bidding consortia. Some analysts, including those from the Institute for Government, have questioned whether it duplicates other regional initiatives like the City Deals or the Getting Building Fund. There have been concerns about a perceived concentration of awards in areas with already strong research bases, such as the Golden Triangle, rather than truly levelling up less developed regions. The competitive nature of the fund has also been critiqued by organisations like the National Audit Office for potentially overlooking collaborative opportunities in favour of more established partnerships. Ensuring long-term sustainability and measurable impact beyond the funding period remains an ongoing challenge.

See also

* Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund * Local Enterprise Partnerships * Science and Innovation Audits * Research Excellence Framework * Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)

Category:Research and development in the United Kingdom Category:Government finances in the United Kingdom Category:Innovation policy