The European Structural and Investment Funds – Contribution to UK research and innovation

European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are the EU’s instrument for supporting economic development in the regions across the EU, with the aim of reducing inequalities and increasing cohesion. The main fund that supports research and innovation is the European Regional Development Fund. The explainer analyses the UK Government's proposed alternative fund to ESIF, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and explores questions around how it might operate, including its strategic goals, administration, allocation and volume of funding.