Innovation Caucus

The Innovation Caucus will undertake a wide range of project-based research and knowledge exchange activities to provide Innovate UK and ESRC with independent interdisciplinary social science insights on different topics related to innovation theory, policy, and practice. This proposal continues and expands the activities of the Innovation Caucus. The aim is to inform the thinking and shape the practice of Innovate UK and ESRC by drawing on the network of academics that comprise the membership. The breadth of multidisciplinary expertise comprising the membership of the Innovation Caucus and its approach towards facilitating multiple projects are what distinguishes it from more conventional knowledge exchange initiatives. The format of the Programme of Work, comprising responsive mode and structured components, is able to accommodate an open and agile approach to meet the demands of Innovate UK and ESRC. The core Innovation Caucus team led by Professor Tim Vorley as PI and supported by Dr Katy Wing as the project manager will provide the main interface with key contacts at ESRC and Innovate UK, as well as with the members of the Innovation Caucus. A key function provided is in brokering and facilitating knowledge exchange through the various activities and projects. Moreover, an important aspect of unlocking and realising the value of social science research is by encouraging more collaborative interdisciplinary engagement of the membership. Building on previous work, the Innovation Caucus will develop its portfolio of activities ranging from the lighter touch engagement through consultation, to the design and delivery of scoping research for Innovate UK and ESRC. The proposed Programme of Work is based around five key activities, these are: 1. Responsive activities, including rapid responses to requests for evidence, more in-depth briefings, masterclasses and workshops; 2. Commissioned projects on social science questions of interest to Innovate UK and ESRC, funded via open calls to Innovation Caucus members; 3. PhD internships with Innovate UK and ESRC on short term projects providing valuable experience for doctoral students; 4. Core research projects, delivered by postdoctoral research associates across the duration of the funded period; 5. Communications and engagement activities intended to deepen engagement with Innovate UK, ESRC and the Innovation Caucus members. The Innovation Caucus will work collaboratively with Innovate UK and ESRC to identify how the membership can help address current and emerging priorities. The step change in the proposed outcomes of the Innovation Caucus are to 1) Build a stronger community of engaged scholars in the field of innovation research; 2) Promote awareness and understanding in Innovate UK and ESRC around the value and use of social science research; and, 3) Develop and share research insights relevant to Innovate UK and ESRC from the social sciences to shape thinking and practice. The Innovation Caucus is fundamentally about harnessing and leveraging the expertise and insights of the membership, to inform and shape to the work of Innovate UK and ESRC in different ways. As opposed to targeting a single major impact, the portfolio of engagement activities and projects are more likely to result in a series of 'micro impacts' that contribute to and enhance the work Innovate UK and ESRC over the 24-month duration of the funding and beyond to support sustainable, innovation-led economic growth.