Research and analysis

Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC): impact evaluation

This independent evaluation assesses the impact of the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) core competition for automotive research and development grant funding.

• From: Department for Business and Trade
• Published: 26 February 2026

Documents

Advanced Propulsion Centre impact evaluation: final report

PDF, 1.09 MB, 88 pages

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Advanced Propulsion Centre impact evaluation: technical annex

PDF, 1.21 MB, 71 pages

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Details

This evaluation is the latest in a series of independent evaluations that have been conducted on the APC core competition for automotive research and development (R&D) grant funding.

This evaluation examines the extent to which the APC R&D programme met its programme aims between 2013 and 2023. The evaluation uses a mixed methods approach. It draws on analyses of monitoring records, surveys, stakeholder consultations, and interviews. The causal effects of the scheme on R&D activity, employment, turnover, investment, output, and productivity were also explored through data-linking and econometric analysis. 

By undertaking more robust quantitative analyses and including a post project monitoring element, evidence on the medium-term impacts of the fund have been captured for the first time.

Published 26 February 2026