New figures from the Office for National Statistics send an important signal about the Government’s commitment to research and development as a driver of UK growth and prosperity. Public spending on R&D increased by 9.2% in real terms between 2023 and 2024. Spending has risen through agencies such as UK Research and Innovation, alongside increased investment in public R&D across Civil Service departments, which grew by more than £1 billion since 2023. A notable part of that i

NCUB's konfer platform helps universities find and develop meaningful partnerships with industry. One of the most effective ways we support that work is through our Collaboration Clinics - practical, interactive training sessions designed to help university teams create collaboration calls that genuinely resonate with businesses.

Collaboration between businesses and universities in the UK is one of the most powerful ways to drive innovation, access cutting-edge research, and accelerate growth. Whether you’re an SME looking for technical expertise or a large organisation exploring R&D partnerships, the UK offers a rich ecosystem, but navigating it isn’t always straightforward. This guide explains how business–university collaboration works, the main routes available, and how to find the right partner e

Canterbury Christ Church University pioneers digital heritage collaboration Deal coastline Standing on the Kent coastline, it’s easy to imagine the centuries of stories carried through towns like Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Deal and Sandwich. Fishermen, smugglers, sailors, artists and visitors have all shaped these communities. Yet many of these stories remain hidden in archives, local memories, and museum collections. Canterbury Christ Church University is changing that. With su

“One of the key challenges in designing RIEm is reaching businesses with strong innovation potential and a willingness to collaborate. Konfer has helped us identify and connect with the right companies efficiently, building strong cohorts from the very start.”

The UK clean energy sector is no longer just part of the climate conversation: it is central to the country’s economic strategy. In 2025, the Government unveiled its Modern Industrial Strategy, with clean energy chosen as one of eight priority sectors. The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan sets out the specific technologies and industries which the UK will focus on over the next ten years, and some (but not all) information on the policy levers the Government will pull to a