Research and development support for creative industries

The UK offers a wide variety of support for creative companies, from digital technology networks to film funding opportunities.

Research infrastructure and networks

The Catapult Network has 9 innovation centres across 40 locations in the UK. In each centre, businesses, scientists, technical specialists and engineers work together on late-stage research and development.

Digital Catapult drives the early adoption of advanced creative digital technologies to make UK businesses more competitive and to grow the UK economy. It covers:

  • AI
  • Future Networks – including 5G and Internet of Things
  • Immersive technologies

Digital Catapult sites are in London, Belfast, Bristol and Sunderland. Go to the Catapult Network website for more information.

Innovate UK’s  Knowledge Transfer Network also supports innovative tech companies, providing sector expertise over the full range of tech subsectors. Find out more on the Knowledge Transfer Network website.

Research and development (R&D) clusters in the UK

R&D clusters are closely linked (but not limited to) centres of activity for the industry. These include:

Film and TV

The following links open external websites:

Games and immersive technology

The following links open external websites:

  • Bournemouth University, home to the National Centre for Computer Animation, and Arts University Bournemouth
  • Universities of Oxford and Cambridge – both centres of world leading technology development
  • Abertay University, a world-renowned centre for games education
  • Manchester Games courses at universities and colleges and via private training providers is complemented by the AR/VR Creative Hub. MediaCityUK is the site of Sony Computer Entertainment’s global PlayStation VR development studio.
  • Teesside University has over 1,000 games and animations students and has a global reputation in the creative and technical aspects of computer games and Immersive technologies.
  • University of Warwick and Coventry University with courses in Games Technology and a Disruptive Media Learning Lab
  • University of Leeds Centre for Immersive Technology
  • University of Portsmouth Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR)

Research resources

Konfer is an online tool which uses smart matching technology to connect UK universities and businesses.

UK Research and Innovation’s Gateway to Research website gives information on current and past UK research projects, including publications, outcomes and contacts.

Find out more about help for R&D in our guide to incentives, funding and support in the UK.

Support and funding opportunities for development and production

Tax relief for creative industries companies

The UK provides strong government support for innovative creative companies. You may be able to claim one of a group of 8 creative industries tax reliefs.

To claim, you must be liable to pay Corporation Tax and be involved in development and production of:

  • films
  • high-end television
  • children’s television
  • animation television
  • video games
  • theatrical productions
  • orchestral concerts
  • museum or gallery exhibitions

Your company should have responsibility throughout development, from the start of pre-production until the completion of the film, programme or game.

Find out if you qualify for creative industry tax relief on GOV.UK.

Other support and funding schemes 

Investment schemes

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) are UK government schemes that can help you if you’re a younger, higher-risk business raising finance. They offer generous tax reliefs of between 30% to 50%.

Get information on EIS and SEIS on GOV.UK.

Film funding

The British Film Institute (BFI) offers funding and production support for creative companies. Explore funding and support opportunities on the BFI website.

The British Council offers funding, for example for travel, and opportunities to promote UK talent, films and events. View film opportunities on the British Council website.

Next steps

Find out about further funding and incentives for research and development in our guide to Incentives and funding.

Get advice on setting up your research and development focused creative business in the UK from UK experts – find their contact details on the Investment Support Directory.