Innovation and Technology Policy Research
European societies place high expectations on advances in science, technology and innovation as a means for economic growth and improved well-being. It is now recognised that successful innovation involves not only excellence in research but translating discoveries into new processes, services and products. RAND Europe and others are committed to finding new innovation pathways and understand the roots of success in research and innovation.
However, the factors and issues involved in generating innovation are becoming increasingly complex. The challenge is to identify those factors that remain constant and those aspects of research and innovation that must continuously change in response. The use of evidence is key to untangling complexity, recognising connections, opening channels for new thought, and finding solutions that maximise the potential gains science, technology and innovation can bring to society and the economy.
Our work clusters around three key questions:
- How to fund and support science, technology and innovation
- How to translate research into the kind of innovation which benefits society through its productive use
- How to develop an adaptive strategy to understand the dynamic processes through which science and technology interact with people, organisations, institutions and policy
More information about each is available in the Filter by Topic section below.
How to Fund and Support Science, Technology and Innovation
Funding and Supporting STI
RAND Europe is a leader in the field of research evaluation with an established reputation in Europe for developing innovative methods which deliver policy oriented lessons about investing in scientific and social science research.
How to Translate Research into Innovation that Benefits Society
Translating Research into Beneficial Innovations
The productive generation and exchange of ideas and skills can result in increased translation of science and research into innovations which benefit the economy. RAND Europe identifies the mix of institutions and organisations that allow for this in ways that are not always straightforward.
How to Evaluate and Adapt Science, Technology and Innovation Policy in Real-Time
Understand the Dynamic Processes through which S&T Interact with Society
Often the central question we are asked is whether policy is working, and why. We use many approaches, including ‘real-time’ evaluation, to help us evaluate and adapt science, technology and innovation policy.
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