This briefing provides examples of the benefits of university-focused capital projects, outlines the sector’s current ability to invest and suggests four potential opportunities for growth: maintaining, upgrading and improving efficiency of current infrastructure, meeting new student needs, meeting the needs of future R&I landscape and delivering Net Zero.

In addition to investment, streamlined planning approvals would ensure public funds can be used efficiently and effectively. The final section of this paper sets how a new R&I guarantee in the National Planning Framework could help fast track application process for R&I facilities and stimulate economic growth.

The investment universities make in their physical and digital infrastructure:

• Protects the quality of education: Upgrading teaching facilities including labs allows universities to update curricula and deliver education to meet future skills needs.
• Enables cutting edge research and innovation (R&I): Access to the latest technology means our researchers can be at the forefront of their disciplines and helps attract talent to the UK.
• Creates local jobs: New construction, repair and renovation of facilities ranging from medical schools to farms and arts centres creates a range of local jobs.
• Attracts private investment: As capital investment is a long-term commitment it provides the confidence for businesses to co-invest.
• Improves efficiency: Modernising older buildings improves efficiency, reduces operational costs and supports Net Zero ambitions.