Innovation and Translation

Exploring how science, technology and innovation can be translated responsibly and sustainably into collective benefits for society

Research, commentary, and events

Project
How technology may change services sectors
26 Jun 2019

Researchers explored how 'game-changing' tech like robotics, autonomous transport, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, and wearable devices will impact the EU's services sectors, and their wider socio-economic implications.
Project
Designing an evaluation framework for the NHMRC
17 Jun 2019

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia, have established a new grant program meant to emphasize fairness, reduce burden, and boost innovation and creativity in research funding processes. Researchers developed an evaluation framework and set of metrics to monitor the performance of the program.
Commentary
Eight Lessons to Inform the Future Oversight of Emerging Science and Technology
11 Apr 2019

The prospect of Brexit has prompted much discussion about the future of science and technology in the UK. Effective oversight systems are crucial. They could help to create public trust and minimize risks, while allowing emerging science and technology, along with the businesses that arise from them, to flourish.
Project
Case studies provide lessons in oversight of emerging S&T
21 Mar 2019

Ten case studies examine science and technology oversight around the world. Based on these studies, researchers compiled a list of lessons for policymakers and stakeholders interested in encouraging and enabling emerging technology.
Project
Analysing Norway's health research and innovation system
13 Mar 2019

Researchers are developing case study examples of international health research and innovation initiatives and their key messages, to help support DAMVAD Analytics’ recommendations for the Norwegian health research and innovation system.
Commentary
How to Design a Research Funder
11 Mar 2019

Emerging challenges are leading to an increased emphasis on the impact of research beyond academia. At the same time, funders must adapt to changing expectations about what research can and should deliver, financial austerity, and developments in the topics and methods of research.
Project
Making outcome-based payment a reality in the NHS: Phase 1
21 Feb 2019

Researchers assessed a new approach to paying for cancer drugs in England’s National Health Service based on achieved outcomes. Their findings may help to improve patient access to medicines and ensure value for the NHS.
Project
Organising for excellence
15 Feb 2019

An exploration and review of international evidence around best practices in organisational design for research funding bodies has helped to inform the design of the umbrella organisation UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The research also contributed to decisions around governance structures and strategy.
Project
Econometric modelling support links research and innovation to jobs and growth
21 Dec 2018

RAND Europe researchers assessed research and innovation reforms in EU countries to improve the modelling of policy impacts within the European Commission's QUEST III macroeconomic model.
Project
How to translate research and drive innovation
13 Dec 2018

To ensure the continued excellence of the UK’s research and innovation (R&I) base, the existence and continuity of funding is key. Additionally, numerous interacting conditions are needed to translate research and stimulate innovation, but there is no ‘magic formula’ for these conditions to be implemented.
Project
Measuring the distribution of benefits of research and innovation
13 Dec 2018

Economic analyses offer a compelling case for the benefits that research and innovation (R&I) can deliver, but R&I also offers numerous benefits that are either not easily monetised or not well understood. These include benefits to culture, public engagement, social cohesion and the environment.
Project
Agricultural ammonia emissions carry steep costs
17 Sep 2018

Ammonia emissions in the UK have been rising since 2013, largely due to agricultural waste and fertiliser runoff. By 2020 the impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health may total over £700 million per year.
Project
Evaluating the Q Improvement Lab
14 Sep 2018

RAND Europe and the University of Cambridge tested whether the Q Improvement Lab approach could become an effective, valuable way of developing ideas or interventions to support positive change at multiple levels of the health and care system.
Project
Eastern AHSN Transformation Support Unit Shows Positive Impact
03 Aug 2018

Stakeholders and 'customers' say the Eastern Academic Health Science Network's TSU—which helps implement innovative solutions to challenges faced by health and care providers—has supported them with their pilots and network building. An evaluation provides recommendations for further improvements.
Project
Standardising quantitative indicators of impact within REF case studies
23 Jul 2018

To inform the development of the guidance and criteria for the preparation of impact case studies in Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, we examined the case studies submitted to REF 2014 and identified quantitative indicators of impact. We then developed guidance for how these indicators could be standardised for potential use in REF 2021.