UK’s 2.4% target ‘not consistent with ambition to stay R&D leader’

Major report calls for higher research spending, and for focus on regions and applied science

The UK’s R&D spending target does not match its ambition to remain a global leader, according to a major report published ahead of the budget, which says there are concerns the UK is losing its lead in the digital economy.

The country’s strong research base means it does have a chance to regain its place as a digital superpower, the report says, but it will need to boost its spending and devolve R&D to its economically lagging regions.