The National Measurement System (NMS) is an essential part of the UK’s research and innovation infrastructure, critical for science and trade. The NMS programmes deliver the UK’s Measurement Strategy, developed in consultation across industry, academia and Government.
The NMS is delivered through the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology. The science programmes are carried out by the UK’s designated measurement institutes:
NPL, the UK’s National Metrology Institute (NMI) and owned by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, delivers the large majority of the programmes.
The NMS enables the UK to compete in global trade and manufacturing by ensuring consistency and recognition of measurement units and standards throughout the world. Internationally leading knowledge and expertise is passed on to UK stakeholders by a coordinated programme of knowledge transfer.
In 2023, the NMS laboratories undertook collaborative projects with 1,195 businesses, leveraged income of £62.89m from collaborative R&D and consultancy.
The NMS also supports the UK’s drive to influence international standards, delivering 55 new or amended standards in 2023.
The NMS underpins key policies, regulations and operational requirements across government. For example, by enabling:
The UK Measurement Strategy describes how the UK will capitalise on its world-leading National Measurement System. Extraordinary innovation can be realised when the right measurement practices are applied and high quality measurement can increase investment in R&D by giving confidence to investors and de-risking the innovation journey. Measurement also helps to grow key, high tech sectors by enabling companies to assure quality, comply with regulations and trade internationally.
Find out more about the UK Measurement Strategy
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