NCUB welcomes UK-France investment deals to boost R&D and create jobs

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) has welcomed today’s announcement of over £1bn in new investment deals between the UK and France, as part of a new strategic partnership to drive innovation, advanced manufacturing, and clean growth. 

These investments—backed by major firms including Airbus, Thales, EDF, and Vernacare—represent a critical step toward reversing recent declines in UK research and development. Since 2021, business R&D investment in the UK has fallen by 6.3% in real terms, while foreign direct investment into UK R&D has dropped by 26%. 

Rosalind Gill, head of policy and engagement at NCUB, commented: “This new partnership is a vote of confidence in the UK’s innovation ecosystem. Strengthening ties with France and expanding investment in R&D-intensive sectors is exactly what’s needed to generate high-value jobs and tackle the UK’s long-standing productivity challenge. 

“To sustain this momentum, long-term and stable support for the UK’s new Industrial Strategy is essential. We also need to see this model replicated with other global partners. Strategic R&D partnerships with countries like Germany, Japan and the US could unlock further investment at the scale required to reignite R&D growth.”  

NCUB will continue to work with government and industry to ensure that universities play a central role in translating these investments into innovation, skills, and economic growth.