Local politicians worried R&D divide will widen

A predicted drop in non-competitive EU research funding is causing concern among poorer regions

Local politicians are worried that a likely decrease in EU funding for regional development—caused by the UK’s departure from the bloc—will exacerbate the differences between regions that rely on such funds for R&D and wealthier areas that tend to win more of the EU’s excellence-based R&D funding.

Negotiations over the coming months will determine the outcome of the loss of the UK’s net budget contribution to the EU. The European Commission has said that regional cohesion funding will have to be cut by about 5 per cent.