The UK has long been a global hub for scientific and technological innovation. The publication of the new Industrial Strategy in mid-2025 will focus on the importance of continuing to invest in and develop our world-class science base to drive economic growth. Governments recognise that investment in diverse science clusters that promote collaboration with researchers, the public and private sectors, and attract investment is essential for translating research into profitable products.

When considering powerhouse UK scientific clusters, we tend to first think about the larger universities, particularly Oxford and Cambridge. Indeed, recent announcements by the government have focused on reviving the Oxford–Cambridge corridor. This will mean investing in infrastructure such as transport, water and housing and specific science sectors such as life sciences, AI, and semiconductors, with an ambition to turn the corridor into Europe’s Silicon Valley. The revival of this plan is expected to add an additional £78 billion to the UK economy by 2035.

Thirty UK-wide specialist science clusters (at different scales) have also been identified by the previous government and continue to be promoted as being key to the innovation economy. These cut across several different fields such as materials, manufacturing, supercomputing, satellite technology, Digital, AI, biofuels, automated vehicles, clean technology, food security, as well as life sciences and Medtech. Some of these are highlighted below:

• The Department of Materials at Manchester University is one of the largest clusters of its kind in Europe. They recently unveiled a breakthrough in quantum nanotechnology, spintronics, which represents a revolutionary alternative which will exceed the limitations of traditional electronics by using the spin of electrons (rather than their charge) to transfer and store information.

• South Wales is also a global leader in compound semiconductor manufacturing, with a cluster of academic institutions, manufacturing facilities, and supply chains. The region’s expertise in this technology is helping the UK become a leader in the design and manufacturing of compound semiconductor wafers.

• The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre is at the centre of another cluster of excellence focused on Digital technology to transform manufacturing, future propulsion, supply chain resilience, sustainable manufacturing and skills and training. It is partnered with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Innovate UK.

• The Liverpool Institute of Child Health and Wellbeing is a developing cluster bringing together experts from diverse fields, including data science, AI, climate science and life sciences to tackle complex child health challenges such as mental health and obesity.

• Glasgow’s satellite cluster is at the forefront of the European industry. It has established itself as a leader in the space race and has built more satellites than any other city in Europe, and with Sutherland selected to be the site for the UK’s first spaceport, this is only likely to accelerate.

• BioYorkshire is building on an innovation cluster which is driving the bioeconomy. It is a partnership which includes the University of York and a range of private sector partners. Its aim is to create a world-leading bioeconomy cluster, translating science to deliver bio-based chemicals, materials and fuels, net zero food, animal feed and land use practices.

• The Bristol Cleantech cluster is a dynamic and innovative hub focused on clean technology and sustainable solutions. It brings together researchers and a diverse range of companies, including startups and established firms working on renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management and sustainable transport.

The UK’s diverse science clusters are instrumental in driving the innovation economy, they foster collaboration, attract investment, and propel the nation to the forefront of global scientific and technological advancements. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the continued growth and success of these science clusters will be crucial in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.

The chart above illustrates the relative growth in life science-related VC attracted by companies headquartered in the region. The North West has seen a considerable amount of VC invested in the last five years compared to the preceding five-year period. However, in terms of growth, the West Midlands has seen an over 250% increase of its five-year total VC invested in 2020–2024 compared to the 2015–2019 period. Overall, all regions have seen growth, in the recent five-year period, which is positive for the UK’s life science market as the companies that attracted the capital will likely expand their companies and increase headcount.

_{Read the articles within Life Sciences: Trends & Outlook report below}