Regulation has the power to accelerate innovation by providing confidence to innovators, certainty for investors and a boost to consumer confidence.
Regulations can, however, struggle to keep pace with the speed of technological advances, which can discourage investment and innovation.
By creating networks that develop new tools, data sets and approaches using regulatory science, it’s hoped this investment will give policymakers access to the research and evidence to future-proof regulations.
First strand in healthcare
Innovate UK recently announced to lead the way in safer, faster, regulatory pathways for innovative products and services, specifically for the healthcare sector.
This human-health strand, in which seven projects were awarded up to £1 million each, will accelerate the delivery of pioneering treatments, ensuring patients benefit from cutting-edge innovations.
Second strand in non-human health
Now, in the programme’s second strand, Innovate UK has announced 11 Regulatory Science and Innovation Networks.
Funded projects
The 11 projects are:
Regulations to ensure sustainable circular use at end of life
Led by: Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
Grant awarded: £432,326
This project will explore regulatory drivers and barriers to the development of a circular economy for end-of-life wind turbines in the UK.
Retrofit net zero buildings: Regulatory Science and Innovation Network for unlocking adoption of innovation
Led by: Building Research Establishment Ltd
Grant awarded: £338,497
This project will advance regulatory science to help policymakers regulate housing retrofit technologies.
Biobased and biodegradable materials regulatory network
Led by: Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association
Grant awarded: £474,135
This project will advance regulation and create business growth opportunities for biobased and biodegradable materials.
Biofilm alliance: a network for regulatory sciences, academic research and industry collaboration
Led by: University of Southampton
Grant awarded: £401,730
This project will address challenges in regulatory science that hinder advancements in biofilm control technologies.
A regulatory science network for the implementation of novel disease prevention technologies in aquaculture
Led by: Esox Biologics Ltd
Grant awarded: £471,067
This project will design a framework to link aquatic DNA with disease monitoring.
Agri-robotics regulatory network
Led by: UK Agri-Tech Centre Ltd
Grant awarded: £499,992
This project will help optimise regulation and standards governing UK agri-robotics.
Novel foods expert network for regulatory challenges
Led by: Reading Scientific Services Ltd
Grant awarded: £472,574
This project will look at novel food regulation, which could provide smoother pathways for swift market entry of new technologies and products.
Life cycle assessment regulatory science and innovation network
Led by: The University of Sheffield
Grant awarded: £403,429
This project will strengthen life cycle assessment, a method of evaluating environmental impacts of products and materials.
IBC-Net
Led by: UK Agri-Tech Centre Ltd
Grant awarded: £326,610
This project will overcome regulatory hurdles in insect bioconversion, the process of using insects to break down organic waste into protein for animal feed, oils or fertiliser.
Advanced regulatory innovation eco system
Led by: Ideaonomy Ltd
Grant awarded: £498,756
This project will develop an artificial intelligence based digital platform to support regulators.
Digital products regulatory innovation network
Led by: Oxford Brookes University
Grant awarded: £443,311
This project will help strengthen the quality of products sold online.
Addressing the regulatory challenges
Ailsa Kennedy-Ballard, Deputy Director Innovation Programmes and Partnerships at Innovate UK said:
This investment marks a significant step forward in addressing the regulatory challenges that often hinder innovation.
By establishing these Regulatory Science and Innovation Networks, we’re enabling collaboration between researchers, businesses, and policymakers to contribute to a regulatory landscape that can adapt to the pace of technological advancements.
These networks will not only help unlock opportunities for investment and innovation but also ensure that the UK remains a competitive leader in creating safer, more sustainable, and forward thinking solutions across diverse sectors.