Report on the Evaluation of the Responses for the Rural Affairs and Environment Research Strategy for 2016-2021 Consultation

Executive Summary

The Scottish Government funds research across the Rural Affairs, Food and Environment portfolio on a five yearly basis, and in preparation for the next period (2016-2021) sought to engage stakeholders from across that portfolio regarding its future direction and emphasis.

A draft strategy for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment research was put out to public consultation between 28 February and 25 April 2014, and in response, 43 responses were received stakeholders, who ranged from individuals to producer organisations, from across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

The overall direction of the responses indicated that the current strategic priorities which operate for our research now are suitable for the next period for funding from 2016-2021, and that the proposed simplification of the structure of the research was to be welcomed. There was however a clear caveat that the proposed "three Theme" structure, and the links between those themes, needs to be more clearly articulated.

There was general recognition that a feature introduced in the last round of research funding - the Centres of Expertise - had been broadly successful in achieving their aim and should feature in our future approaches to science delivery and interpretation for policy.

Many of the comments raised were about ensuring that the range of connections and activities noted within the strategy document were clearly articulated. For example, what routes to encouraging innovation will be taken, how and who we will seek future opportunities for co-funding. A desire to see improved visibility and accessibility of all research supported by the Rural Affairs, Food and Environment portfolio was also reflected in many responses.