Manufacturing better buildings
On 26th March 2018, Innovate UK announced that up to £72 million is available to invest in establishing a core innovation hub.
Innovate UK point to the fact that construction has not benefited from the same productivity increases as other industries; in many respects the way buildings are created has not changed in 40 years. In addition, there is a growing skills crisis as the workforce ages and younger people are not brought into the industry fast-enough. The purpose of the core innovation hub will be to transform the construction sector and support collaboration between industry and academia.
The funding competition is aimed at UK-based research and technology organisations that have substantive existing facilities and expertise and are able to work with others in the construction sector.
A single, core hub will be funded, with a focus on:
- The creation of better-performing built assets.
- Increasing the adoption of emerging digital and manufacturing technologies.
- The design of new processes to improve construction productivity (build 50% faster, 33% cheaper and with half the lifetime carbon emissions).
The successful application will be able to demonstrate a commitment from the private sector to invest in, and use, the hub once it has been completed. Projects must start in August 2018 and last up to 4 years.
The funding competition is part of the government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, which aims to bring together research and business to tackle the significant socio-economic challenges of the day.
The competition deadline is midday on 23rd May 2018.
For more information and to apply, see here.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.