Deadline: 19-Nov-2026
The Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment funding opportunity supports research projects that develop new and innovative ways to measure the returns on investments in research and development (R&D).
The initiative aims to strengthen economic research and improve the evidence base for understanding how R&D investment affects economic outcomes. It focuses on methodological advancements, innovative measurement approaches, and robust methods for assessing the returns generated by R&D spending.
About the Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment
This funding opportunity is designed to support economic research into the impact and returns of R&D investment.
Research projects should contribute to the development of new measurements or methodologies that can improve understanding of the economic effects of R&D spending.
The initiative particularly focuses on:
- Innovative methods for measuring R&D returns.
- Methodological advancements in economic research.
- Robust measurement approaches.
- Evidence on the economic impact of R&D investment.
- Improved understanding of the relationship between R&D spending and economic outcomes.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The total fund available is £2,460,000.
Each project may request up to £308,000 for the full economic cost of the project.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will fund 80% of the full economic cost.
Applicants should therefore develop a realistic project budget that reflects the costs required to deliver the proposed research.
How Long Is the Award?
Projects can receive funding for 24 months.
Successful projects should commence no later than 1 April 2027.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed research plan, budget, and project timeline are suitable for the 24-month award period.
What Type of Research Is Supported?
The funding supports research focused on developing better ways to measure the returns generated by investments in R&D.
Projects should seek to advance economic research by improving how the effects of R&D spending are measured and understood.
Potential areas of focus include:
- New approaches to measuring returns on R&D investment.
- Improved economic measurement methodologies.
- Robust approaches for assessing R&D outcomes.
- Methods for strengthening evidence on the economic impact of R&D spending.
- Research that improves understanding of the relationship between R&D investment and economic performance.
The emphasis is on methodological development and robust measurement rather than simply examining R&D spending without advancing measurement approaches.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.
The lead institution must be based in the United Kingdom.
Eligible applicants should therefore ensure that their host research organisation meets UKRI’s funding eligibility requirements.
International Collaboration
Although the lead institution must be UK-based, collaborations with international researchers are strongly encouraged.
International collaboration can provide opportunities to bring together different research expertise and perspectives when developing methods for measuring the returns on R&D investment.
Researchers considering international collaboration should ensure that the proposed partnership supports the objectives and methodological focus of the project.
What Should a Strong Research Project Address?
A strong proposal should clearly explain the economic research problem and demonstrate how the project will improve the measurement of returns from R&D investment.
Applicants should clearly describe:
- The research question or measurement challenge.
- Why existing approaches may be insufficient.
- The proposed methodological approach.
- How the project will develop or improve R&D return measurements.
- The expected contribution to economic research.
- How the research will strengthen the evidence base on R&D investment.
- How the project can generate robust and useful findings.
The proposed methodology should be appropriate for the research objectives and the project should be achievable within the 24-month award period.
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
Understanding the returns generated by R&D investment is important for assessing the economic impact of research and innovation spending.
Better measurement approaches can strengthen the evidence available to researchers and other stakeholders when examining the relationship between R&D investment and economic outcomes.
By supporting methodological advancements, this funding opportunity aims to contribute to a stronger evidence base for economic research on R&D investment.
Key Facts About the Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment
- Funding opportunity: Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment
- Total fund available: £2,460,000
- Maximum project request: £308,000
- UKRI funding: 80% of full economic cost
- Award duration: 24 months
- Project start: No later than 1 April 2027
- Lead institution: UK-based research organisation
- Applicant eligibility: UK research organisations eligible for UKRI funding
- International collaboration: Strongly encouraged
- Research focus: Measuring returns on R&D investment
- Main objective: Develop innovative and robust methods for measuring the economic returns of R&D spending
Frequently Asked Questions About the Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment
What is the Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment funding opportunity?
It supports economic research projects that develop new measurements and methodological approaches for assessing the returns on investments in research and development.
How much funding is available?
The total fund available is £2,460,000.
How much can each project request?
Each project may request up to £308,000 for the full economic cost.
What percentage of the full economic cost will UKRI fund?
UKRI will fund 80% of the full economic cost of the project.
How long can funded projects run?
The award duration is 24 months.
When must projects start?
Projects should commence no later than 1 April 2027.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.
Does the lead institution have to be based in the UK?
Yes. The lead institution must be a UK-based research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.
Are international collaborations allowed?
Yes. Collaborations with international researchers are strongly encouraged.
What type of research does the funding support?
The funding supports projects that develop innovative and robust methods for measuring the returns and economic impacts of R&D investment.
Conclusion
The Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment funding opportunity provides support for researchers developing new methods to measure the economic returns generated by R&D spending.
With a total fund of £2.46 million and project requests of up to £308,000, the opportunity supports 24-month research projects led by eligible UK research organisations. UKRI will fund 80% of the full economic cost, while international research collaboration is strongly encouraged.
The initiative offers an opportunity for economic researchers to advance measurement methodologies and strengthen the evidence base for understanding the economic impact of R&D investment.
For more information, visit UKRI.
