Innovation needs to deliver real-world benefits, new research shows

• Strong research capabilities (37%) and educational institutions (36%) identified as the UK’s leading innovation drivers
• 42% of UK respondents say expensive energy prices and 30% cite bureaucratic regulations as key barriers to progress
• 51% of UK respondents prioritise innovation in personal health technology

January 5th, Denham, UK – People in the UK are calling for innovation that delivers real-world benefits beyond technology, with strong research capabilities and educational institutions recognised as the nation’s greatest strengths in driving progress.

According to Bosch’s Tech Compass 2026 survey, 37% of UK respondents cited the country’s strong research capabilities as the biggest driver of innovation, followed by 36% who pointed to qualified professionals and educational institutions. The findings highlight the need for greater collaboration between government, educators and employers to help the UK realise its full potential as a global innovation hub.

Bosch’s annual Tech Compass survey will be launched at CES 2026 held in Las Vegas on January 6th-9th.

Greater investment in education to drive innovation
This year’s Tech Compass survey highlighted strong views amongst Brits that the UK needs to do more to foster innovation within the education system. 60% of UK respondents have said that they would encourage their child to skip university to launch a start-up; however, only a third believe the education system nurtures innovative thinking.

This disconnect between ambition and opportunity shows an urgent need for greater investment in STEM education, research and entrepreneurship. Stronger collaboration between government, industry and academia will be key to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s next generation of innovators. Bosch Ventures has been investing in startups since 2007 and currently invests in five or six companies a year in key target markets. Earlier this year it launched a €250m (£218m) fund to support deep‑tech startups globally.

Steffen Hoffmann, Managing Director of Bosch UK & Ireland, said: “Innovation is a key driver of economic growth and prosperity. However, we need to look at ways to foster entrepreneurial mindsets amongst younger generations to ensure that we maximise our potential as a country. Greater cooperation between government, industry and education institutions on skill development and networking could play a pivotal role in building our innovation ecosystem.”

Over half of Brits hopeful for further innovation in personalised health and medicine
With world-class research capabilities, the UK is at the forefront of transforming scientific discovery into revolutionary advances in health and medicine, and Brits are supportive of further progress in this area. 51% of respondents in the UK are hopeful for further innovation in personalised medicine and health monitoring devices, believing these could meaningfully improve their lives, compared to 50% globally.

The report also revealed that, over the past two decades, medical treatments (20%) and wearables (15%) have been recognised among the most impactful technological advances in the UK, underscoring how deeply technology is already shaping people’s approach to health.

St Thomas Hospital in London has recently introduced Bosch’s Vivalytic Rapid PCR test to help manage the C.auris outbreak. Each PCR test offers a simplified setup and delivers results in approximately one hour, allowing for quick decision-making compared to traditional methods that can take between 92-147 hours for results.

Steffen Hoffmann, Managing Director of Bosch UK & Ireland, commented: “Thanks to advances in health technology and medicine, people now have access to real time insight into how their body is functioning on a day to day basis, as well as access to advice and personalised recommendations on what they can do to improve their wellbeing; playing a major role in improving health outcomes for individuals.”

Innovation in hydrogen could help tackle UK energy challenges
High energy costs remain one of the main barriers to innovation in the UK, with 42% of UK respondents in Bosch’s Tech Compass 2026 survey identifying it as a key challenge. The findings highlight the need for innovation that not only advances technology but also makes energy more affordable for both businesses and consumers across the UK.

Hydrogen could play a vital role in this transition, with 78% of UK respondents saying they would consider driving a hydrogen-powered car if the government developed the right infrastructure and fueling network. This openness reflects hydrogen's potential to improve energy efficiency, lower costs and strengthen industrial competitiveness, helping the UK move towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

Bosch recently announced its first hydrogen-powered truck is now on the road, refuelling in minutes and running up to 500 miles, proving that zero-emission transport can meet real business demands today.

Steffen Hoffmann, Managing Director of Bosch UK & Ireland, said: “Hydrogen has the potential to transform how we power our lives and industries. Many people are ready to make the switch, but progress is being held back by limitations within infrastructure. If we are truly serious about reaching our net-zero ambitions and leaving behind a better world for future generations, we must prioritise the investments that make this transition possible.”

AI confidence and learning on the rise in the UK
Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how people live, learn and work in the UK - particularly among younger generations. According to Bosch’s Tech Compass 2026 survey, 35% of Brits aged 18–29 said AI has had the most positive impact on their lives over the past 20 years, ranking it second only to smartphones. This growing influence shows how AI is becoming an integral part of everyday life for young people, driving new ways of thinking, learning and creating opportunities for the future.

Overall, confidence in AI is also rising. Half of UK respondents (50%) said they feel prepared for the AI era, up from 43% last year. As AI becomes more embedded in daily life and work, these findings underline the growing need to equip both current and future generations with the right skills to use it confidently, responsibly and effectively.

The survey also reveals a strong appetite for AI education, with 78% of UK respondents planning to continue learning about AI. More people are turning to structured, expert-led training, with participation in specialist workshops nearly doubling (from 7% to 12%) — signalling a clear shift towards guided, hands-on learning that builds understanding and trust.

Steffen Hoffmann, Managing Director of Bosch UK, comments: “AI is already transforming how we live and work, particularly for younger generations who are embracing it as a key part of their daily lives. These findings show that people don’t just want to understand AI - they want to use it meaningfully and responsibly. By investing in education and skills development now, we can ensure that everyone is equipped to thrive in the AI era.”

Cybersecurity plays a vital role in supporting growth of innovation
Privacy and security innovations such as better identity protection and personal data management are also a major concern for 34% of respondents. There is also a growing public demand across the UK for stronger digital privacy and cybersecurity. Nearly a third of UK respondents (29%) identified cybersecurity threats as one of the top global challenges that technological innovation should address.

Steffen Hoffmann, Managing Director of Bosch UK, comments: “As technology becomes advanced and integrated into our everyday lives, our hopes for what it can achieve grow immensely. This year’s survey shows how innovation can provide genuine social value and deliver technology that is truly ‘Invented for Life’.”

Steffen continued: “As individuals, we are now not just looking at technology as a method to deliver convenience and efficiency, but as something that can help us each to live longer, healthier, more informed lives. With this level of integration however, this increases the importance of ensuring that our systems are secure and the most intimate data is protected. For us to harness the full potential of innovation within our economy we need greater collaboration between industry, government and educational institutions to address these challenges, and in doing so, the UK can become a powerhouse for innovation, globally.”

The Tech Compass 2026 report can be read online here.

Contact person for press enquiries:
James.Bolton@uk.bosch.com
www.bosch.co.uk/news-and-stories/

About the Study
For the Bosch Tech Compass, the Gesellschaft für Innovative Marktforschung mbH (GIM) surveyed 11,030 people over the age of 18 in seven countries in September 2025. In the United Kingdom, 1,004 people took part. Just over 1,000 took part in France and Germany. In Brazil, China, India, and the United States, it was just over 2,000 people in each country. Bosch was not named as a client at any point during the survey.

About the Bosch Group
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 418,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2024). The company generated sales of 90.3 billion euros in 2024. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 490 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 87,000 associates in research and development.