Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the devolution of decision making for Government funded R&D grants.

We are fully committed to regular and constructive dialogue with the Devolved Governments on our shared priorities, including the distribution of R&D funding across the UK. Key to this is making sure the benefits of science and innovation are felt across all corners of the country. It is positive to have seen an increase of £142m in UKRI investment across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland between 2021/22 and 2023/24.

R&D funding is partially devolved: Devolved Governments receive funding in their block grants which includes consequentials arising from UKRI allocations made through Research England. Devolved Governments can allocate block grant funding as they choose within devolved policy areas, which include higher education and economic development. This includes the ability to allocate funding to R&D according to their priorities. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, in 2024/25:

• £487m of R&D funding was invested through the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council;
• £150m through the Welsh Government and Medr;
• £100m through the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department for the Economy.

Through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF), we are also empowering local leaders in 17 regions across the UK to target R&D investment and unleash their full innovation potential. The Government is investing up to £150 million through the LIPF in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland between 2026 and 2031. The Government is considering the future of LIPF in the nations.