On this basis, we share the concerns of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which called into question the extent to which the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) supports research-orientated small businesses. Given the scale of the funding attached to the ISCF, the fund should represent a realistic source of alternative funding for small businesses seeking to innovate. However, if the ISCF funding becomes ever more concentrated in certain parts of England, and the flow of support tren...

On this basis, we share the concerns of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which called into question the extent to which the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) supports research-orientated small businesses. Given the scale of the funding attached to the ISCF, the fund should represent a realistic source of alternative funding for small businesses seeking to innovate. However, if the ISCF funding becomes ever more concentrated in certain parts of England, and the flow of support trends towards larger businesses, the ISCF will not be regarded as a viable alternative to traditional sources of growth finance. Type: conclusion | Number: 36 | Paragraph: 149 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 61. The Government recognises the concerns raised by the Committee regarding the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) and have agreed a robust action plan that will address the recommendations made by the Committee, the Public Accounts Committee, and National Audit Off