EU research funding generates more than 19,000 jobs across the UK, £1.86 billion for the UK economy and contributes more than £1billion to GDP, according to new figures published today.
Universities UK’s analysis, which is based upon data for the year 2014/15 shows that UK universities attracted more than £836 million in research grants and contracts from EU sources.
In the East Midlands, figures show that the total impact of EU research through grants, jobs, industry improvements as a result of research and the knowledge economy was £72.3million.
The report, commissioned in the run-up to the EU Referendum on 23 June, aims to make the case for Britain to remain part of the EU.
DMU’s researchers have been awarded millions of pounds in EU research funding to take forward work which could have huge impact upon society. These include:
Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, said whilst EU research funding was vital to universities, it also inspired scholars to work together across borders.
He said: “At DMU, we have seen how EU research programmes have helped create networks across Europe and drive forward academic excellence. In turn, this has led to greater economic growth and turn ideas and discoveries into new companies by fostering entrepreneurship and employability.”
Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, said: “What is clear from this new analysis is that this EU funding also benefits the UK economy, boosting growth and creating jobs both directly and indirectly in a range of sectors in all corners of the UK.
“EU support goes far beyond money. It also provides irreplaceable networks and frameworks which enable our researchers to have a genuine impact on society by pursuing breakthroughs, discoveries and inventions which improve our lives.”
Jo Johnson MP, Universities Minister, said: “Our membership of this EU plays a big part in supporting our success as a knowledge economy, not only in terms of funding, but also in terms of valuable academic collaborations and access to shared research facilities. Britain is an innovation powerhouse and we must do everything we can to maintain that position.
“As this new data shows, the EU helps to facilitate ground-breaking research, create jobs and strengthen our position as a global innovation leader.”
The UK does disproportionately well in securing EU research funding against other countries. The three UK industries which benefit most from the knock-on impact of research funding are: business activities, wholesale and retail trade and manufacturing.
Universities UK represents the UK’s universities and promotes the strength and success nationally and internationally.
Posted on Friday 10 June 2016