Establishing competitive advantage in attracting international talent to the UK: How best to attract and retain international RDI workers and talent? What factors work as enablers and barriers to attracting talented researchers and innovators? How do those factors vary for different types of RDI workers (e.g., occupations, disciplines, etc.)? What is the impact of the current visa regime on the RDI workforce and attracting and retaining global talent?
Background
SRID evidence aims to ensure that DSIT’s significant RDI budget is invested effectively and that we understand its impact and value for money. The Science, Technology and Innovation Analysis Team (STIA), the analytical team supporting SRID, develop the evidence base via internal analysis, cross-Whitehall collaboration and externally commissioned research projects. STIA work closely with other analytical teams in DSIT and DSIT’s partner organisations.
STIA continuously work to improve our approach and methods of valuing RDI investment to fully showcase and evidence its value to the UK. We are also interested in developing new real-time performance monitoring tools to allow for more agile decision-making and significantly improve our Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) capabilities. Improving our methodology for measuring economic, social and research benefits of RDI is also our priority.
SRID and STIA want to develop a stronger evidence base of the foundations of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) system including how to: 1) grow the RDI workforce by improving the domestic pipeline, attracting and retaining the most talented RDI workers and supporting diverse, dynamic and creative careers 2) develop strong and sustainable RDI institutions that foster innovation 3) identify and capitalise on RDI clusters in the UK to support the levelling up agenda.
We also aim to develop a better understanding of how RDI policy can best drive economic growth, better jobs and discoveries. We aim to do this through identifying the best methods for measuring adoption and diffusion of innovation as well as drivers and barriers to innovation to create conditions for an increased investment in innovation.
A skilled and qualified workforce is critical for effective RDI activity. The following research questions will help DSIT build a strong evidence base of how to foster a large, varied base of skilled, technical and entrepreneurial talent.
Next steps
If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Science, Innovation, and Research Directorate, and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs
Link to ARIs : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024
Related UKRI funded projects
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FDI into University R&D Campaign - Midlands Pilot
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The project focuses on attracting FDI into university R&D, which is relevant to attracting and retaining international RDI workers and talent.
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This project focuses on fostering collaboration between universities and businesses to attract and retain talented researchers, addressing the question directly.
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The project focuses on expanding and diversifying the R&D sector's workforce, addressing barriers to participation in innovation processes, and delivering inclusive growth and innovation, which directly relates to attracting and retaining international RDI workers and talent.