National Centre for Universities and Businesses (NCUB) and The University of Cambridge recently surveyed 500 UK research and development (R&D) active businesses.
According to the report, the pandemic has had a severe impact on research and innovation in the UK, with 81% of enterprises reporting delays or stoppages in research due to COVID-19. Further, 12% of those polled stated the pandemic forced them to stop their research altogether.
Dr Joe Marshall, chief executive of NCUB, said COVID-19 “has had a detrimental effect on businesses' ability to engage in research and development (R&D) activities in the UK”. In addition, 77% of UK businesses cited delays in service demonstrations, testing, and trial production.
96% of businesses said they changed their collaborative projects with universities amid COVID-19. The NCUB, however, is urging the UK government to support businesses and their R&D activities.
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