The National Audit Office (NAO), the UK’s independent public spending watchdog, has launched a value for money audit into innovation support for the transport sector.

With the Department for Transport (DfT) increasing its spending on research and development over the coming years, having spent around £250 million in 2024-25, the NAO will be exploring whether DfT’s approach to innovation in transport is delivering value for money. The study will include its main arm’s-length bodies, who also manage innovation funds, as well as the full range of levers to support innovation, including grant-giving, but also policy, regulation, and facilitating collaboration.

You can find out more about the study here.

Workshops

ITS UK members from the private sector are invited to a workshop to feed in your views on how the DfT can better support innovation in transport.

Taking place on 13 January 2026, from 1 to 3pm, at the NAO’s Offices in London, this event offers the opportunity to share your experience of DfT-funded innovation grants, on DfT’s innovation policy and how the Government can work to support greater innovation in the sector.

During the event we will run two workshops – one for micro and small business members and one for medium to corporate members. Members will be split by their membership type. You can join the event in-person or online.

The full list of questions for the sessions and an agenda will be shared ahead of the workshops.

Register here