Strategy launched to futureproof UK role in materials innovation
13 Jan 2025
The long-awaited National Materials Innovation Strategy has launched with the claim that a committed policy could double the number of sector jobs to more than 100,000 within a decade.
Hosted by The Henry Royce Institute - the UK’s national institute for advanced materials – with the support of ScotChem, Perspective Economics, and Urban Foresight, the strategy is intended to ensure the country meets net zero commitments and creates new healthcare, transport, national security and infrastructure solutions.
“Materials sit at the heart of addressing the major technological and economic challenges facing our society today” said professor Julia Sutcliffe, chief scientific adviser for the Department of Business and Trade, and member of the Materials Innovation Leadership Group which will steer the new strategy.
“As we strive to meet the UK’s net zero and growth ambitions, the need for sustainable, next-generation materials has never been more urgent, and the launch of the National Materials Innovation Strategy marks a decisive moment for the UK on this journey”
After consulting more than 2,000 experts in materials science, engineering, innovation, policy and industry, policymakers identified key areas of opportunity including:
energy solutions; future healthcare; structural innovations; advanced surface technologies; next generation electronics, telecommunications and sensors; consumer products, packaging and specialist polymers
Associated research claims a significant commitment to materials innovation could double materials-specific job roles by 2035, from the current 52,000 and add £4.4bn in GVA to the UK economy.
It is further claimed that the increase could strongly impact regional opportunities and boost smaller firms: Of the 2,700 companies active in materials innovation in the UK, 70% are registered outside of London and the South East, while nine in 10 are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Photo: thisisengineering
