Ensuring the UK has the right diversity in the S&T landscape: How can the UK RDI system be mapped thematically and usefully (systems mapping as well as geographical mapping)? What have previous attempts achieved and how? How can gaps in the system be identified?
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.
Building understanding of the varied institutions within the UK RDI system and the factors affecting the operation of these institutions, such as bureaucracy and financial sustainability, is key to ensuring effectiveness of the system.
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
Topics
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 specifically address mapping the UK RDI system thematically or geographically.
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Innovation and Productivity Grand Challenge
The UK is strong in scientific, technological and engineering research. It has a vibrant economy enabling small and large firms to flourish. But it suffers an enduring productivity gap compared with industrial activities...
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Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it addresses the productivity gap and innovation processes, but does not specifically focus on mapping the UK RDI system.
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HEI Consortium INnoVation and ENTrepreneurship in HEIs (INVENTHEI)
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
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions, which aligns with the goal of developing a stronger evidence base for the UK RDI system.