How can ‘systems science’ be used by government and regulators to improve their understanding, making their policies better targeted and more effective? How can ‘behavioural science’ be used to influence the behaviour of key stakeholders (regulators, businesses and/or policymakers) to achieve better policy outcomes?

Background

"Technology Strategy

As the team has a broad remit, there are a range of different areas of evidence needs. These are likely to be areas of ongoing enquiry, as we seek to keep abreast of market and technological developments. We are also interested in the interaction of these issues e.g. with systems approaches.


Evidence challenges
One of the main challenges we have is that SIC codes do not readily permit us to do analysis of technology sectors, so we need to use specialist datasets, bespoke studies or natural language processing to enable us to collect data on the issues.

We work with technology experts to define classifying methods.

How evidence is used
We already have databases on business activity and equity funding in the team, with access to other datasets across the Department on research activity, exports, skills, patents, IP, etc. We are nevertheless always interested in hearing about new data developments in this space.

We also have evidence from commissioned studies, and call for evidence responses.
"

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


  • Advanced Regulatory Innovation EcoSystem (ARIES)

    The Advanced Regulatory Innovation EcoSystem (ARIES) project will explore the potential for the development of an AI based digital platform to support regulators to collaborate more effectively within their own organisat...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: IDEAONOMY LTD

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on using AI to support regulators in collaboration, which partially addresses the question on improving understanding and policy effectiveness.

  • UK Systems-NET - enabling a strategic and long lasting alliance to provide coordination and capability shaping in systems engineering

    Systems Engineering is concerned with systems thinking and taking a systems approach to the transformation of the UK's manufacturing and service industries. It brings together high-value engineering disciplines whose pro...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: Loughborough University

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on systems science and its application in improving understanding and policies.

  • UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub

    Public opinion on complex scientific topics can have dramatic effects on industrial sectors (e.g. GM crops, fracking, global warming). In order to realise the industrial and societal benefits of Autonomous Systems, they ...

    Funded by: SPF

    Lead research organisation: University of Southampton

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project addresses the use of behavioural science to influence stakeholders for better policy outcomes.

  • Science and technology in the service of the State: Understanding mission-oriented research systems in a changing world

    Mission-oriented science and technology - that is Government funded science and technology in direct support of the goals or missions of the state - has a long history and accounts for a great deal of public spending on ...

    Funded by: ESRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Manchester

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on mission-oriented research systems, which may have some relevance to understanding government policies.

  • Made Smarter Network+

    The Made Smarter Network+ (MSN+) has two primary roles. To: 1. Develop and support the creation of an effective digital innovation ecosystem to accelerate the innovation and diffusion of Industrial Digital Technologies...

    Funded by: ESRC

    Lead research organisation: Loughborough University

Similar ARIs from other organisations