Local benefits/patterns: What is the local impact of different RDI interventions?
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.
RDI investment is key to generating productivity gains at the local and national level, thus supporting RDI outside the Greater South East is crucial to achieving Government’s Levelling Up ambitions. DSIT’s evidence building in this area of research interest will ensure that policymakers across central and local government have a robust evidence base and understanding of the strengths and opportunities across the UK.
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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Innovation & Research Caucus
The ambition of the Innovation and Research Caucus (I&RC) is to establish itself as the go to intermediary for actionable innovation and research funding policy insights. Building on the legacy of the current Innovat...
Funded by: ESRC
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it focuses on actionable insights for innovation and research funding policy, but does not directly address local impact of RDI interventions.
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DIATOMIC (Digital InnovAtion TransfOrMatIve Change)
This project is led by Connected Places Catapult, and partnered by local universities, Birmingham City Council and the Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It builds on existing projects, such as 'CREME', 'Unloc...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Why might this be relevant?
The project DIATOMIC focuses on building innovation capability and capacity locally, addressing RDI workforce growth, fostering innovation, and supporting RDI clusters, aligning with the question's focus on the local impact of RDI interventions.
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West Midlands Innovation Programme phase 2
The West Midlands Innovation Programme phase 2 (WMIP 2.0) addresses the **Capability and Capacity** strand of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator**,** supporting cross-sector, demand-led innovation and enhancing the...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Why might this be relevant?
The project WMIP 2.0 addresses the capability and capacity strand of the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, enhancing the connectedness of the region's innovation ecosystem, partially aligning with the question's focus on local impact of RDI interventions.