R&D key to securing the UK’s position in a changing world - new Wellcome report

A new report from Wellcome calls on the UK government to position itself on the world stage as the ‘global partner of choice’ for research and development (R&D) to boost the economy, improve national security and strengthen international relations. 

‘The Global Partner of Choice for R&D’ report outlines how R&D can be used as a strategic strength supporting the government’s soft power strategy, which is due to be published later this year.   

Already, the UK boasts a powerful reputation in science, hosting some of the world’s best universities and ranking first globally for the quality of academic publications. Over 60% of the UK's academic publications in 2022 were co-authored with international researchers, the highest amongst G7 nations. The breadth of the UK's collaboration with overseas researchers is a strength to build on. While the Government is making strides to leverage this for economic gains, Wellcome’s new report argues that R&D can not only drive economic growth for the nation, but also bolster its influence on the world stage. 

Writing in the foreword, Julia Gillard, Chair of Wellcome and former prime minister of Australia, said: “The geopolitical landscape is changing, with economic tensions and threats to multilateral cooperation. The context within which R&D operates is in flux, creating both opportunities and threats. 

“A time of geopolitical change offers an opportunity to think about how else the UK can make use of its globally recognised scientific strength, and its diplomatic nous, to ensure that it is adapting in a volatile environment.” 

But the report finds that science stakeholders believe the UK’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years, with Brexit, political upheaval and cuts to overseas aid all having been viewed negatively around the world. 

To reinforce its reputation and maximise the broader benefits of its scientific strengths, the report calls for the UK to: 

• Invest in health security: R&D plays a crucial role in defending against threats such as biowarfare and infectious diseases. The UK's strength in life sciences provides a strategic advantage in safeguarding against health security threats. 

• Influence global regulation of emerging technologies: The UK’s scientific strengths enable it to lead the way in developing global regulatory standards for groundbreaking fields like genomics, quantum technologies, AI, and engineering biology. 

• Use R&D to support diplomacy and influence: With international collaboration being essential to successful R&D, this approach could serve as the binding agent for building partnerships through shared goals - fostering positive international relationships and providing valuable insights for foreign policy.  

The report argues that research is inherently international – and that the UK can use its high levels of global collaboration to carve out a new role for itself in the world – as the global partner of choice for R&D. It says the UK can do this by: 

1. Recasting the UK's global image: Moving away from the language of being a ‘science superpower’ or ‘powerhouse,’ instead positioning the UK as the ‘ideal collaborative partner.’ 

1. Adopting an equitable approach to partnerships: Valuing the exchange of people and ideas, building partnerships based on co-creation, mutual benefit and funding where impact is greatest. 

1. Choosing international partners strategically: The UK should strategically prioritise such cooperative partnerships with the European Union and Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). By focusing on areas where expertise and infrastructure are needed, the UK can facilitate valuable research relationships that address global challenges. 

However, the report warns that in order to secure long-term benefits from the UK's strength in R&D, sustainable investment is needed. Despite recent government pledges, the four-year, £86 billion R&D budget lacks substantial real-term growth, placing key sectors under financial strain with a flat-cash R&D settlement for DSIT in 2026/27. Furthermore, the delay in reaching the £22bn R&D spending target until 2029 signals a diminishing ambition.  

By investing ambitiously in its R&D capabilities, the UK can position itself as the global partner of choice, tackling shared challenges, boosting prosperity, and securing its future.