Glasgow gets £30m funding boost for innovation projects
Lord Vallance, UK science minister, announced the cash, which could be used for key growth sectors including medical technology, life sciences, and the city's space satellite sector.
The money comes from the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) of up to £500m, announced ahead of last month's Spending Review to empower local leaders with skin in the game. It will help target innovation investment and make the most of their communities' expertise to unleash discoveries that benefit us all and grow the economy as part of our Plan for Change.
Glasgow City Region, Belfast-Derry/Londonderry and Cardiff were the three regions chosen to benefit after talks between the UK Government and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The decision to earmark at least £30m to three high-potential areas in Glasgow, Belfast-Derry/Londonderry and Cardiff was reached following collaboration between the UK Government and the governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Seven regions of England were also announced as recipients last month - spanning the North-East to Greater Manchester, Liverpool to London.
Lord Vallance said: 'The Glasgow City Region has a proud history of transformative innovation and by working with local leaders who know their city best, this fund can help capitalise on the skills and drive that have earned that global reputation as a hub of science and technology.
'That could mean bolstering Glasgow's space cluster to unlock new opportunities beyond our planet or building on its history of cutting-edge medical technology, but ultimately this can back a wide range of research which can improve everyday lives and help deliver our Plan for Change for the UK.'
Kirsty McNeill, Scotland Office minister said: "This £30 million investment in Glasgow City Region is great news. We are backing Glasgow's world-class expertise in areas like medical technology and advanced manufacturing while supporting local jobs and skills
'The UK Government is committed to unleashing Scotland's innovation potential and driving economic growth right across our country. Ensuring Scotland at the forefront of the technologies that will shape our future.'
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