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The Western Gateway, the pan-regional partnership for South Wales and Western England, has joined with other organisations in calling for the UK to be a leading country in the G7 on research and development (R&D) investment.

The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), led on the cross-sector call, which has been signed by professional bodies, universities and charities. The Western Gateway has become the first pan-regional partnership to date to add its support to the call.

The joint statement highlights the importance of R&D for the UK’s growth, economic prosperity and societal wellbeing.

It states: “We are united in a belief in the importance of ambitious, long-term, and sustainable investment in Research and Development (R&D) for the future of the United Kingdom. R&D is the foundation upon which the UK’s economic prosperity, well-being, and global competitiveness rest. A sustained increase in government R&D investment creates the stability to pursue big ideas, discoveries, and innovations that improve UK public services and make the world a better place for the next generation.

“Such investment will instil confidence in the UK as a place to do business, drive growth, prosperity, and allow the UK to lead on the transition to net zero while tackling threats to health, wellbeing and quality of life across the UK. A majority of the public think that new research has a role to play in solving society’s challenges; 77% say new research is an essential or important part of solving the problem of climate change and 80% for securing the UK’s energy supply and lowering the cost of energy bills.

“The UK should be a leading country in the G7 on R&D investment. We want to see political parties commit to investing in and nurturing a culture of research and innovation, ensuring the UK continues to attract private, philanthropic, and charity investment as well as the most talented researchers from around the world.”

John Wilkinson, Director of the Western Gateway, said: “The Western Gateway region is one of the most innovative regions in the UK. For example, 14 of the world’s 15 largest aviation manufacturers are located in our region, as are companies with 55% global market share manufacturing Semi Compound Conductors. One-third of the UK’s cyber patents are also filed here.

“With the right investment in our innovative industries, we have the potential to add an additional £34bn of GDP to the UK economy by 2030.”

“Our powerhouse works in partnership to bring additionality to the area’s existing strengths and structures. This is why I am pleased to be able to add the Western Gateway’s voice to that of colleagues from across multiple sectors to call on governments to prioritise investment in research and innovation.”

Later this year, the Western Gateway Partnership will be launching our Plan for Sustainable Growth at the ICC in Newport, which will begin to set out how the Western Gateway can work with local leaders, universities, businesses and governments in Cardiff and Westminster to unlock investment in the region and ensure we are at the heart of developing an innovative and sustainable UK economy fit for the future.

Visit the CaSE website for a full list of authors of the joint statement.

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