Lincolnshire’s prominence in the agri-food industry has been underscored in the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy, which aims to boost economic growth by focusing on city regions and clusters in high-growth sectors. The county’s inclusion in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan is a testament to its significant contributions to the agri-food industry, particularly in the realm of agri-tech innovation.
The University of Lincoln, a key player in the county’s agri-food success, has been internationally recognised for its leadership in agri-robotic innovation, controlled environment agriculture, and research commercialisation. The Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT), a flagship institute at the university, has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation in the sector.
Professor Simon Pearson, Director of LIAT, welcomed the government’s recognition of the vital role of robotics and agri-technology in ensuring the resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness of the UK’s food systems. He noted that the mention of LIAT in the government’s strategy highlights the institute’s position as a leader in the industry and reflects the hard work and commitment of its team.
The implications of this recognition are far-reaching. It not only validates the efforts of the university and the county in advancing agri-tech innovation but also opens up opportunities for further growth and development. The alignment of LIAT’s priorities with the government’s vision for skills and innovation can potentially lead to increased support and funding for research and development in the sector.
The university’s partnerships with other leading institutions, such as the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia, further strengthen its position in the agri-food sector. These collaborations aim to tackle critical issues such as food security, global food prices, and supply chain challenges across the East of England. Moreover, the LINCAM partnership seeks to expand research into robotics and artificial intelligence, which are increasingly becoming vital tools in modern agriculture.
The agri-food sector is a significant contributor to the UK economy, with a gross value added of £147 million and employing over 30,000 people. The recognition of the University of Lincoln in the national industrial strategy underscores the importance of the sector and the role of innovation in driving its growth.
This recognition is not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of the university’s consistent efforts and achievements in the field of agri-tech. The university was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education in 2023 for its work in agri-food technology. Additionally, the Lincoln Agri-Robotics team won the Best Research Project at the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub 2025 AI and Robotics Research Awards earlier this year.
Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, expressed pride in the university’s recognition in the national industrial strategy. He emphasised the university’s commitment to pioneering high-quality, impactful research and its sector-leading approach to industry engagement. The university’s mission to be an engine for regional and national growth is evident in its pursuit of research and innovation that helps businesses address real-world challenges and opportunities.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond the university and the county. It highlights the importance of the agri-food sector in the UK’s economy and the role of innovation in ensuring its growth and sustainability. It also underscores the need for continued investment in research and development in the sector, particularly in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence, which are increasingly becoming vital tools in modern agriculture.