Background
The government considers innovation to be vital to the UK’s future and to achieving its long-term goals such as growing the UK economy.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is investing in innovation to find more cost effective, reliable and efficient ways to enable people and goods to get to where they need to be. It aims to support the innovation process from discovery to wide-scale adoption.
DfT is increasing its spending on research and development over the coming years, having spent around £250 million in 2024-25. Its main arm’s-length bodies also manage innovation funds. Alongside grant-giving, DfT uses a range of levers to support innovation, including policy, regulation, and facilitating collaboration.
Scope
This study will examine whether DfT’s approach to innovation in transport is delivering value for money. It will assess whether DfT:
- has set out a clear strategy and approach for innovation
- is managing its innovation activity effectively
- is effectively using learning from its innovation activity to improve its approach and deliver greater impact
Our study will also examine innovation spending by key arm’s-length bodies. We will examine how DfT funds them for innovation activity, how they manage this activity, and how DfT works with its arm’s-length bodies and other organisations to support innovation and share learning.
NAO team
Director: Jonny Mood
Audit Manager: Cvetina Yocheva