UKRRIN has received a significant mention in the UK Government’s Strategic Vision for Rail published last month. The policy document, which focuses on five key areas, sets out the vision for rail covering reliability, network expansion, better deals for passengers, a modern workforce, and productivity and innovation in the sector.
The references reinforce the commitment made by UK Government to support the network, noting that “UKRRIN will future-proof the UK rail industry by supporting research in the key areas of digital systems, rolling stock, and infrastructure innovation”.
A reference was also made to the network in the recently published Transport Infrastructure Efficiency Strategy – with a nod to the coordinated model that has been adopted between the rail industry (as client), supply chain and academia, and suggestion that something similar should be considered for infrastructure to maximise the impact of R&D investment.
The members of UKRRIN are keen to maintain a strong link with UK Government to support the delivery of its objectives and will be sharing more information at a Parliamentary reception set to take place early next year.