Research and Innovation background
- UK Transport Vision 2050: A forward-looking document exploring what the UK transport system may look like in 2050, setting out the changes, challenges and opportunities that will confront the transport sector over this time.
- Decarbonising Transport: A Better, Greener Britain : Primary UK transport research and innovation framework that outlines the pathway to net-zero transport emissions by 2050, focusing on electrification, active travel, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Future of Mobility Foresight Report: Evidence-based programme shaping innovation priorities in automation and connected mobility. Provides insights into important future trends, challenges and opportunities for the UK transport system.
- Future of Mobility – Urban Strategy: Outlines the government’s approach to maximising the benefits from transport innovation in cities and towns.
- Transport Infrastructure Efficiency Strategy: Targets improvements in infrastructure efficiency through the adoption of innovative technologies and practices.
- Maritime 2050 – Navigating the Future: This strategy sets out the UK Government’s vision and ambitions for the future of the maritime sector by anticipating challenges and opportunities ahead including clean fuels and smart ports.
- Connecting People: A Strategic Vision for Rail: Aims to enhance the national rail network by increasing accessibility, reliability and efficiency.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Institutional framework of transport research
- Department for Transport (DfT): Has responsibility for creating, drafting and implementing UK transport policy. Detailed transport planning documents are drafted by the Department on areas of interest established by the Industrial Strategy.
- National Highways: Conducts applied research and development on smart roads, safety and infrastructure resilience and sustainability.
- Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI):Leads aviation innovation and funding for zero-emission flights and partners with government and industry to fund and coordinate long-term innovation aligned with sustainability and advanced manufacturing goals.
- Connected Places Catapult:National centre for applied innovation in transport systems and city transport. It connects businesses, academia and government agencies to develop technologies and solutions to make urban systems and mobility more sustainable, efficient and inclusive.
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI):The national funding agency investing in science and research, which implements the majority of the research and innovation aspects to support the Industrial Strategy. Funds transport-related research through councils and cross-sector programmes.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
- Innovate UK: The UK Innovation Agency, operating as one of the nine ‘councils’ under UKRI. Provides funding for innovation in wide range of priority areas, including advanced manufacturing, driving the electric revolution, future flight and innovation in transport.
- Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG):Delivered by DfT in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, this programme funds early-stage proof-of-concept transport research projects to improve UK transport systems.
- Driving the electric revolution: Funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Funds (ISCF) this programme will allow the UK to seize economic opportunities from the global transition to clean technologies and electrification. The programme will help businesses across numerous sectors including transport, energy, construction and agriculture to invest and work together to capitalise on the UK’s strengths in this technology.
- Future Flight: Funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Funds (ISCF), a programme to enable the UK to build, use and export new, greener ways of flying through advances in electric and autonomous flight technology. It will support the development of new technologies from freight-carrying drones to urban air vehicles to hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)