Worries remain as Hunt touts R&D boost

Autumn statement: Discovery Fellowships and innovation spending applauded but questions linger over big picture

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled spending of £750 million for R&D for this financial year in his autumn statement, but some in the sector have raised concerns over whether there is a coherent strategy underpinning the funding.

Hunt also revealed a new fellowship programme and pledges for spending on R&D and innovation over the next decade in specific sectors including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and aerospace.