Research, development and innovation
We’ve been working together for hundreds of years to create the railway. Collaborating, competing and innovating to transform how it’s used by our people and passengers.
In doing so, we’ve contributed to creating a world where pioneers are welcome. And now we want to see everyone get involved in innovation.
To meet the challenges and opportunities of the future, we are working in partnership with rail and other industries, to look for opportunities to innovate on the railway. Find out more about our collaborations below.
Through these partnerships, we look at how research, development and technology can make train travel more comfortable, accessible, sustainable, reliable and affordable. You can find out more about our strategy below.
Investing in the future
Over the last few years, Network Rail has worked to make it easier for other organisations to invest and build on the railway. We’ve opened up our Standards to Challenge and have introduced innovative procurement models for innovation. We’ve also put in place support for suppliers. We have dedicated test facilities. And a Product Acceptance team to make sure products are safe and fit for use on or around the railway.
Delivering innovation
From Shift2Rail, the biggest ever collaborative European investment in rail R&D, to the RD&I Portfolio, our industry has transformed over the past 15 years thanks to focused programmes made possible by RD&I investments from Network Rail. This is evident when we look at the heart of it. And it’s not just reliability, RD&I helps us to be safer, more secure, sustinable, weather resilient and provide value for money. And ultimately provide a better experience for our passengers and freight users. Read some examples of implemented projects and the difference they have made to the railway.
But we’re not finished yet, if you want to find out more about what we have already done or have planned for the future, please contact us.