# Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** Up to £308,000 (80% FEC)
**Deadline:** 19 November 2026 (16:00 UK time)
**Duration:** 24 months
**Consortium:** Optional — international collaboration with Alfred P. Sloan Foundation/Coefficient Giving-funded researchers encouraged; project partners and international co-leads can be included
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/economic-research-on-the-returns-to-rd-investment/
**Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds empirical/quantitative (or qualitative/mixed-methods) research to develop consensus estimates of economic and social returns to R&D investment, supported through the UK Metascience Unit. Projects must start by 1 April 2027; UKRI funds 80% of FEC with 20% expected from host institution; applicants encouraged to engage with parallel Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Coefficient Giving-funded cohort.

## Summary

The ESRC's Economic Research on the Returns to R&D Investment call funds rigorous empirical research on the economic and social returns to R&D investment over 24 months, with up to £246,400 available per project (80% FEC). The call welcomes UK-led teams with optional international co-leads and partners, and focuses on answering the 'Griliches Question', whether and how R&D investment generates measurable welfare gains and spillovers, with direct policy relevance. This is a one-off call; purely theoretical applications are not eligible.

## Who should apply

- UK-based lead research organisation with ESRC-eligible status
- Researchers with expertise in econometric or empirical methods applied to innovation and productivity
- Teams tackling spillovers, welfare gains, or policy implications of R&D investment
- International researchers willing to apply as project co-lead or international partner

## Key dates

- Deadline: 19 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage submission
- 24-month project duration; projects must start by 1 April 2027

## Tips for applicants

- Empirical rigour is non-negotiable, pure theory will be rejected. Ground your research questions in concrete data and methodology.
- Frame your research around the 'Griliches Question' and its policy implications; ESRC values applied economic research with visible impact.
- If using international co-leads or partners, clarify the roles of each institution in writing; the lead organisation submits, but co-lead and partner contributions must be explicit.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I apply for in the ESRC R&D Returns call?

Up to £246,400, which covers 80% of the £308,000 full economic cost (FEC); your host institution contributes the remaining 20%.

### Who can be the lead organisation for this ESRC call?

Only a UK research organisation on the ESRC-approved list can submit as lead; international researchers may apply as project co-lead or partner.

### Can I apply with a purely theoretical project?

No, purely theoretical applications are out of scope. The call funds empirical research with measurable data and results.

### What is the 'Griliches Question'?

It refers to the fundamental economic question of whether and how R&D investment generates measurable returns, including spillovers, welfare gains, and broader economic impacts, rather than merely private profit to the firm.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/esrc-economic-research-on-the-returns-to-r-d-investment-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).