One in every five pounds in the UK economy is dependent on developments in chemistry research, according to a new report commissioned by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Industries reliant on chemistry contributed an astonishing £258 billion to the UK economy in 2007 - equivalent to 21% of UK GDP and supported six million jobs, accounting for at least 15% of the UK's exported goods and attracting significant inward investment.



The findings demonstrate the high calibre, financial worth and excellent value for money of the UK's chemistry research base.

The report looks at 'upstream' and 'downstream' industries - those that produce or depend to varying degrees on chemicals. Using economic data and case studies it provides a dramatic illustration of the true value of chemistry research to the country.



The report, by leading economic forecasting consultancy Oxford Economics, evaluated the contribution of chemistry research to many different industries and found that fifteen key sectors, including health, electronics, textiles and aerospace, are wholly or partly reliant on the chemical sciences.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science said:

"The Government recognises the key role that research, technology and innovation will play in rebalancing the economy. As well as the significant contribution they continue to make in promoting the country's economic growth, the chemical sciences offer great potential for helping us tackle the most urgent challenges the planet faces today such as developing sustainable energy sources and advancing new medical treatments."

Professor David Delpy, chief executive, EPSRC, said:

"The products of chemistry and other areas of science and engineering research are present in nearly every facet of the UK economy and these figures not only remind us of the remarkable return on our investment in chemistry research, but also of the imperative to continue developing world leaders in the field."

Dr Richard Pike, chief executive, Royal Society of Chemistry, said: