The UK has unveiled its National Materials Innovation Strategy, heralded as a transformative policy to double materials-specific jobs to over 100,000 by 2035 and add £4.4 billion to the nation’s GVA.
Hosted by the Henry Royce Institute with support from ScotChem, Perspective Economics, and Urban Foresight, the strategy is designed to drive progress in net-zero commitments and foster solutions in healthcare, transport, infrastructure, and national security.
“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. She emphasized that the strategy marks a “decisive moment” for advancing sustainable, next-generation materials.
The initiative, shaped by input from over 2,000 experts, identifies opportunities in fields such as energy solutions, healthcare, structural innovations, advanced electronics, and sustainable consumer products.
The strategy also highlights the sector’s regional strength, with 70% of the UK’s 2,700 materials innovation companies based outside London and the South East. Notably, 90% are SMEs, poised to benefit from the anticipated growth.
Policymakers stress that materials innovation is not only key to economic growth but also critical for tackling global challenges, ensuring the UK remains a leader in sustainable technology.
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