Global Reach, Local Roots

This report provides new evidence on the UK’s innovation landscape, focusing on how UK firms internationalised research and development (R&D) between 2000 and 2021. Significant gaps remain in understanding how firms build cross-border R&D, particularly in advanced economies such as the UK. As innovation becomes more global, firms increasingly depend on international knowledge networks to develop new technologies. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and economic shocks can disrupt long-standing partnerships and funding routes, increasing the importance of resilient international linkages.

Drawing on patent records and firm-level information, the report examines the UK’s technological strengths and collaboration patterns over time. The UK shows sustained growth in R&D investment and remains highly ranked internationally, with particular strength in life sciences. Results for emerging technologies are more mixed: the UK is competitive in green technologies and semiconductors, but less strong in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and robotics. Patenting activity is concentrated among a small number of organisations, highlighting opportunities to better understand what drives collaboration and how wider participation can be supported.

International collaboration has narrowed since 2014, especially with European partners. Links with the United States and selected Asian economies remain strong, while collaboration with China has grown to more than one tenth of UK joint output. Overall, the report provides timely evidence to inform policy on strengthening international R&D engagement, future technologies and a green innovation economy.

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