Uploaded March 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

---

Video transcript:

Physics powers economic and social progress

It drives growth and productivity

raises living standards

and can help us tackle the climate emergency

Physics research and development makes this
possible

In 2019, physics-based industries generated
£230bn for the UK economy

twice the contribution of construction, transport
or retail

350,000 physics-based enterprises employ 2.7m
people across the UK

We are a global leader in science and innovation

but our position is at risk

UK investment in R&D is equivalent to just
1.7% of GDP

The average among leading economies is 2.5%

South Korea, Japan, Germany and the US exceed 3%

and their investment is growing

By creating the right conditions, we can unlock
the full benefits of physics R&D in the UK

Secure a competitive position on the world
stage

Create rewarding jobs and productive industries

And build a healthier, fairer, more sustainable
future

As the fourth industrial revolution transforms
our world

we cannot afford to be left behind

We are calling on Government to increase investment
to 2.4% of GDP by 2027

and build a thriving R&D ecosystem

that can deliver huge economic and societal
benefits to every part of the UK

Our R&D roadmap will set out how that can
happen

through people and skills

infrastructure

scientific discovery

and business innovation