Science minister Chris Skidmore has announced the launch of the International Research and Innovation Strategy, and three competitions to help companies develop new technologies, use technology in healthcare to improve life chances, and get their new innovations to market. The competitions are GlobalStars call with Singapore, a £1million funding competition between Singapore, the Netherlands and UK focused on medical technology, smart mobility and logistics and advanced manufacturing; Smart Manufacturing Cluster call (£2 million), where applicants are invited to submit R&D&I project proposals in the area of Advanced Manufacturing applications and technologies; a £1 million funding collaboration between Austria, Belgium, Canada, Israel, Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, South Korea, Turkey and the UK called Artificial Intelligence and Quantum.

Mr Skidmore said: “In future, our businesses won’t just be entering new markets, they’ll be making them. We are living through enormous technological, social and environmental change. Science and innovation have no borders, and this new strategy reflects our aspirations to see the UK draw systemically on research and innovation collaboration to build its economic growth while tackling global challenges. We’ve already backed this ambition by committing £7 billion over five years by 2022.”

“Strategy launched to ensure UK’s position as scientific global leader.“

Professor Sir Mark Walport, UKRI chief executive, said: “UK Research and Innovation welcomes the publication of the International Research and Innovation Strategy, which emphasises the importance of global collaboration to the research and innovation sector. Working with international partners is essential for addressing major global and societal challenges, while also helping to deliver economic impact and enhance quality of life across the UK.”

Minister for investment, Graham Stuart, said: “The UK’s record levels of foreign investment are sustained by our reputation as a world leader in technology and innovation. This announcement will ensure the UK and UK businesses remain on the forefront of cutting-edge innovation and we retain our status among global investors as the top destination for investment in Europe.”