Innovation, science and the city

Innovation is a key driver of economic growth, and over the past ten years policy makers at all levels of government have strengthened efforts to increase rates of innovation in the UK. Research funding has been increased; more investment has gone into science parks; partnerships between the public sector, universities and businesses have been improved; and a wide range of technology transfer and business support policies have been introduced.

But the emergence of innovation as a specialist policy area has also generated risks around policy prioritisation and problems on organisational fragmentation and policy coordination. This report highlights these issues and explains how they can be addressed to improve policy effectiveness.