We are AIRTO

AIRTO is the Association for Innovation, Research and Technology Organisations, the foremost membership body for organisations operating in the UK’s innovation, research and technology sector.

We assist members to network and engage collectively, we encourage enterprise, forge links and progress dialogue with key decision makers in government and industry, along with providing a forum for our members to share best practice.

Gearing up to 2.4%: Growing the UK’s R&D activity to meet the 2.4% GDP target

The UK has a thriving Innovation, Research and Technology sector, offering people with the right skills and expertise, and substantial resources, to deliver the UK’s Industrial Strategy. The sector plays a critical independent role in sharing the cost and risk of innovation with industry. By utilising this world-class asset to its full capacity in playing a central part in achieving the government’s 2.4% target, we stand to gain global competitive advantage by improving the scope and productivity of UK industry.

AIRTO is pinpointing six levers for government to deploy to raise levels of R&D to 2.4% of GDP in the UK by 2027.

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Towards Zero: Read AIRTO’s latest position statement

AIRTO’s latest Position Statement…More D!

A more DEVELOPMENT-focused
strategy for paving the way to IMPACT

The time has come to focus more on the ‘DEVELOPMENT’ aspects of R&D in our national strategic planning to complement our undoubtedly world-class research base. AIRTO is calling for more DEVELOPMENT-focused strategy for paving the way to IMPACT: Innovation that is Market Pulled, Applied, Commercially Translated!

Our members

Our members have a presence around the world. They typically supply business-to-business and government services such as R&D, consultancy, validation and testing, multi-client project inception and management, incubation and financing.

Latest news

November 30, 2020

AIRTO welcomes Chancellor’s Spending Review

Government restates commitment to raise the level of UK’s spend on R&D

November 26, 2020

Government investment in fusion energy via UKAEA boosts British economy by £1.4 billion

For every £1 invested, approximately £4 is pumped back into the economy

November 18, 2020

Academy of Medical Sciences report on the role of academia and industry in Covid-19 diagnostics

The statement outlines several actions to ensure that the capacity and capability in academia and industry are utilised to best support the UK’s future diagnostic testing response

Upcoming members' events

Find further information and more events in our members' area