Economic research on the returns to R&D investment

Research to improve measurement of the economic and social returns generated by research and development investment.

OPENS10 September 2026

APPLICANTEligible UK research organisations

SECTOREconomics and policy

VERIFIED2 September 2026

HUBAI FIT ANALYSIS

Where AI belongs in this opportunity.

Relevant to researchers studying AI productivity, innovation spillovers, public investment, firm outcomes or the measurement of technology-led growth.

Do not lead with “we use AI”.Lead with the defined problem, measurable innovation and credible route to adoption. AI is part of the method, not the complete case.

ELIGIBILITY SNAPSHOT

Check the gate.

01The lead must be based at an eligible UK research organisation.

02The project can have a full economic cost up to £308,000; UKRI states it will fund 80% of FEC.

03The award is planned for 24 months and should start no later than 1 April 2027.

PREPARATION PLAN

Build the evidence.

01Frame a decision-relevant measurement gap.

02Confirm data access, accreditation and feasibility early.

03Connect methods to actionable policy or investment insight.

OFFICIAL SOURCE

Verify every detail before submission.

HubAI checked this record on 2 September 2026. Funding pages can change; the funder’s page remains authoritative.

Continue to ESRC ↗

Important

This briefing is general information, not legal, financial, tax or grant-writing advice. HubAI does not determine eligibility or funding outcomes.