NCUB backs chancellor’s push to break barriers and boost investment
The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) welcomes today’s announcement by the chancellor of the exchequer to drive economic growth through targeted investment and regulatory reforms across the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. Prioritising housing, transport, and infrastructure projects in this key innovation cluster is a crucial step towards unlocking the UK’s economic potential.
Rosalind Gill, head of policy and engagement at NCUB, commented: “Oxford and Cambridge form one of Europe’s most important innovation corridors. Yet growth is being held back by inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and regulatory inefficiencies. We welcome the chancellor’s commitment to addressing these barriers and accelerating investment in the Golden Triangle.
“However, innovation must be strengthened across the entire UK. A truly competitive economy requires not just targeted regional investment, but also a broader strategy to reinforce key innovation hotspots and connect them more effectively nationwide. This will ensure that the UK builds a more resilient, dynamic, and globally competitive innovation landscape.”
Gill continued: “Unlocking private investment in R&D is also essential for growth. Businesses are by far the largest investors in UK research, spending close to £50bn annually – however levels of business R&D investment in the UK have dropped in recent years despite growing in other countries.
“The UK cannot afford to lose momentum. Breaking down inefficiencies, removing barriers, and unleashing a new wave of R&D led by businesses are necessary conditions to growth our economy. If we are serious about becoming a Science Superpower, we must turn ambition into action—now.”