This problem is a UK government area of research interest (ARI) that was originally posted at https://ari.org.uk/ by a UK government organisation to indicate that they are keen to see research related to this area.
The geography of innovation: How does proximity to research and innovation infrastructure (i.e., PSREs, Research Council Institutes, Catapults, etc.) affect innovation activity in businesses, research organisations and universities? How can this infrastructure be used to support the growth of clusters of R&D excellence across the UK?
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.
Contact details
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 Projects
- Taiwan Innovation Exchange FLIP
- Innovation and Productivity Grand Challenge
- Promoting the roles of R&D service firms in the innovation system
- Innovation & Research Caucus
- Serendipity in Science, Technology and Innovation
- HEI Consortium INnoVation and ENTrepreneurship in HEIs (INVENTHEI)
- West Midlands Innovation Programme phase 2
- ATTRACTISS
- Launchpad Cluster Management: Liverpool City Region
- STFC Innovations Partnership Scheme Fellow at the University of Southampton