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.
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 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
Lead research organisation: Oxford Brookes University
The project focuses on providing actionable insights for innovation and research funding policy, which aligns with the question's emphasis on measuring and incentivizing innovation in public and non-profit institutions.
I present the Serendipity proposal, with SPRU (Sussex, UK) and Columbia (NYC, USA), to conduct a body of frontier work on the role, management and impact of serendipity on research performance. The project addresses majo...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: University of Sussex
The project addresses the role of serendipity in research performance and its impact on innovation, which is directly related to the question's focus on facilitating innovation and commercialization in institutions.
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 innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions, which partially aligns with the question's emphasis on fostering innovation in institutions, but does not directly address measuring and incentivizing innovation.