Wales is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom and has a strong research and innovation ecosystem supported by universities, research institutes and partnerships with industry and the public sector. Responsibility for higher education and aspects of research policy is devolved to the Welsh Government, which works with universities and partners across the sector to support research and innovation.
Public funding for university research in Wales operates through the UK’s dual support system. Universities receive institutional funding through Medr, the national body responsible for funding and regulating tertiary education and research in Wales, alongside competitively awarded grants from UK-wide funders such as UK Research and Innovation.
Research quality in Welsh universities is assessed through the Research Excellence Framework (REF). In REF 2021, 89% of Welsh university research was rated internationally excellent or world-leading for impact.
Collaboration across the Welsh research system is supported by initiatives such as the Wales Innovation Network, which promotes joint research activity and innovation across universities in Wales.
Innovation is also a key priority for Wales. The Welsh Government’s Innovation Strategy for Wales – Wales Innovates: Creating a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Wales (2023) sets out a mission-based approach to innovation focused on education, the economy, health and wellbeing, and climate and nature. The strategy aims to strengthen collaboration between universities, industry and the public sector and support research and innovation that address economic and societal challenges.
Research and innovation in Wales are also supported by regional investment programmes such as the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, Swansea Bay City Deal and Ambition North Wales Growth Deal, which support collaboration between universities, businesses and local authorities to drive economic growth and innovation.
Wales also hosts several research and innovation clusters. South Wales is home to a globally recognised compound semiconductor research and innovation cluster, bringing together universities, research organisations and industry partners.