Supercharging physics R&D for UK prosperity

Since World War II, physics-based innovation has driven major economic developments and increased world prosperity. Sectors such as semiconductors and telecommunications have become major industries in their own right, and have also facilitated dramatic growth in, for example, software, digital services and marketing. A key ingredient in this process has been government funded investment in physics research and development in leading universities and technology-based companies. The last Labour government fully recognised the potential benefits of physics R&D and raised the overall level of science R&D investment as well as introducing R&D tax credits to encourage the industrial development of scientific research. This fringe meeting will explore the continuing economic benefits of investment in physics R&D.