2026 UK Innovation Report Launch

Join us on 19 March to celebrate the launch of the UK Innovation Report 2026, where we will explore how innovation is shaping the UK economy, driving sustainable growth, and creating high-value jobs in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Thursday 19 March 2026, 15:30 – 17:00

Free event
Limited in-person availability: Institute for Government, London
Online: Join the live stream on YouTube to attend the full event

Register your interest

This comprehensive report from Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy, University of Cambridge, is designed to support government, industry, and policy leaders in addressing critical socio-economic challenges through innovation.

This year’s report examines the nation’s innovation and industrial performance within a global context, combining data on innovation and value-added indicators. It will address which UK industries perform most strongly in terms of labour productivity and earnings and examine how their performance has evolved over recent decades.

A central feature of this year’s report is a deep-dive sectoral analysis of the Electronics and Electrical sectors. Recognised as an Advanced Manufacturing sectors under the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, these sectors sits at the heart of electrification and the net-zero transition. From semiconductor to electric motors and batteries, they underpin critical technologies across the economy, providing a powerful lens for exploring the links between innovation, industrial capability, and economic performance.

The report also places renewed emphasis on scale-up and value capture. It examines whether UK investment in technology R&D is more geared towards early-stage research than its peers, how concentrated technology scale-up activity across sectors is in the UK, and to what extent the UK’s research outputs are being developed or commercialised in other countries.

Why attend?

• Gain insights on industry performance: Learn about the UK’s industrial innovation system, including the latest government commitments to R&D and sector productivity trends.
• Engage with key findings: The report brings together indicators and analysis that highlight the UK’s strengths and areas for development across industries.
• Connect with thought leaders: Network with policymakers, industry leaders, and innovation experts driving change across sectors.

Speakers:

• Lord David Sainsbury – Former Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and former Minister of Science and Innovation
• Professor Tim Minshall – Dr John C Taylor Professor of Innovation & Head of the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge
• Dr Carlos López-Gómez – Head of Policy, IfM Engage, University of Cambridge
• Dave Smith  – UK National Technology Adviser, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Sharon Todd – CEO, SCI
• Stewart Lane – Head of Business Development, Renishaw and President, Manufacturing Technologies Association

Register your interest