This report summarises findings from the UUKi/BEIS ODA survey 2021. The purpose of the survey was to gather information from UK HEIs about the benefit of ODA R&D funding to address global challenges, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), and to advance the UK’s strategic priorities.
Specifically, this report aims to understand:
- The impact of ODA R&D funding on UK universities and their partners
- How the UK can continue to use ODA R&D with developing countries in support of the UN SDGs and UK strategic priorities.
In 2020, UUKi conducted a survey of UK higher education institutions (UK HEIs). We wanted to understand and clarify the secondary benefits of Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding to UK universities. The survey results were consolidated in the report: ‘ODA funding and its impact on the UK higher education sector’ and included five key findings.
One year on, significant reductions have been made to the UK’s ODA budget. We asked UK HEIs for further insight into the value of ODA Research and Development (R&D) funding from an institutional perspective. The findings, as described in this report, are intended to inform readers about the value of ODA R&D generally as well as the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review, expected in autumn 2021.
With thanks to:
- UUK member HEIs who responded to the survey and provided case studies.
- A Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) grant which part funded this activity.