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.
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
The proposed programme will fund a two-year FDI into University R&D Campaign piloted in the Midlands. It leverages work led by a coalition of seventeen regional universities and supported by multiple government depar...
Funded by: AHRC
Lead research organisation: Loughborough University
The project focuses on attracting FDI into university R&D, which is relevant to attracting and retaining international RDI workers and talent.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions: DEEP INVENTHEI DEEP INVENTHEI sets up an international network of regional innovation partners which contribute to attracting and retaining talent by trai...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
The project focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship in HEIs, which partially addresses attracting and retaining talent, but not specifically RDI workers.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions (INVENTHEI) The University of Sheffield is participating as a partner in INVENTHEI, a project co-funded by the European Institute of Technology (EIT) Highe...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
The project focuses on attracting and retaining international talent in RDI, developing an innovation ecosystem, and fostering an entrepreneurial culture, which directly addresses the question.