Innovation diffusion and adoption: How can we measure and understand the adoption and diffusion of new ideas and technologies across regions and sectors? How can we support more widespread adoption of existing and new innovations?
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.
Innovation is critical for economic growth. The following research questions will help DSIT build a strong evidence base of how to drive innovation in all sectors and regions of the UK and maximise the benefits of innovation by boosting its adoption in firms and the public sector.
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 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?
The project focuses on improving industrial performance through innovation processes and IT infrastructure, directly addressing the question on measuring and understanding adoption and diffusion of new ideas and technologies.
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Mapping the production, diffusion and drivers of future technologies
We propose to map and track the state of technological change in the UK, understand its drivers, impacts and help to improve the UK's productivity record via our collaboration and engagement with industry and policymaker...
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Why might this be relevant?
The project maps and tracks technological change in the UK, focusing on understanding and improving innovation diffusion, which aligns with the question on measuring adoption and diffusion of new ideas and technologies.
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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?
Partially relevant as it addresses innovation diffusion and adoption in the West Midlands region, but does not cover adoption and diffusion across regions and sectors as a whole.