International experiences in developing place-based research and innovation funding programmes: Observations from selected programmes (2018)

A study to support the Centre for Science, Technology & Innovation Policy (CSTI) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

This international benchmarking study was Policy Links’ contribution to a project led by the CSTI that explores opportunities for UKRI to develop a place-based fund that invests in local research and innovation systems. The intention of the fund is to develop local industrial capabilities and enable significantly greater local economic benefits.

The study conducted a high-level review of place-based research and innovation funding programmes in selected countries – such as Germany, Sweden, Japan, United States, Canada, France, and Italy – with an emphasis on programmes that seek to deliver local outcomes.  The international review provides a useful international context and has helped stimulate thinking about potential options in terms of objectives, instruments, investment criteria, and metrics.