Innovation and big ideas

Universities play an important role in driving new ideas and innovation for businesses and industry. We’re calling for funding and regulation designed to maximise the benefits universities offer to local and national communities.

Type

Topic

Region

Sort by

17 July 2023 Publications

17 July 2023 Publications

Why does university research matter?

It’s well known that universities are central to training the next generation of teachers, nurses, engineers and entrepreneurs. Another often overlooked area of what UK universities do is research and innovation.
19 June 2024 Explainer

19 June 2024 Explainer

What do we mean by tertiary education?

Dame Ann Limb DBE and Professor David Phoenix OBE take a look at tertiary education and its future.
23 February 2024 Media releases

23 February 2024 Media releases

Universities UK unveils manifesto to boost opportunity and economic growth

In anticipation for the general election, universities want to work more closely with the next government to support a national drive to achieve stronger economic growth and improve opportunities for individuals and for communities across the whole of the UK.
2 February 2023 Publications

2 February 2023 Publications

Research and innovation facts and figures: 2022

The UK's research is world-leading and internationally excellent. The latest data shows that universities are at the heart of research and innovation across the country.
4 March 2024 Publications

4 March 2024 Publications

Long-term fundamental research: the case for investing in UK research and development

Long-term research carried out at UK universities is world-class, but the UK needs long-term, stable funding and strategy from government.
31 March 2022 Invitation to tender

31 March 2022 Invitation to tender

Invitation to tender: Research concordats and agreements review phase 2

We are jointly commissioning a project with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Wellcome Trust to bring stakeholders from the research and innovation community together to reflect on the impact of concordats and agreements.
25 March 2022 Explainer

25 March 2022 Explainer

How do universities support the creation of new businesses?

We’ve taken a look at the data and one of the many success stories coming out of universities.
2 February 2023 Media releases

2 February 2023 Media releases

Higher education research and innovation in facts and figures

New report underlines university research and innovation’s central role in delivering government ambitions on growth.
28 August 2025 Opinion

28 August 2025 Opinion

A new national supercomputer for Edinburgh: why it matters for UK research

Professor Mark Parsons, Director of EPCC based at the University of Edinburgh, explains why the government’s decision to invest in a new supercomputer at Edinburgh is welcome news to the UK research community.
23 February 2024 Publications

23 February 2024 Publications

Opportunity and growth: a manifesto from Universities UK

The UK’s universities are a success story and one of the UK’s greatest assets. We’re calling on political parties to commit to policies in their manifestos to help our universities continue to transform lives.

Innovation and big ideas

Get monthly updates of our work, events, and higher education news