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

Conclusions

The consultation attracted responses from a wide range of respondent views. Due to the low numbers of responses overall, on many occasions the narrative discussion provided by respondents was helpful in providing additional context for the contributions received.

The main points that we will seek to retain, and the actions which we need to undertake in redrafting the Research Strategy 2016-2021 are as follows:

Main points in the draft Research Strategy 2016-2021 to be retained:

1. The strategic priorities identified for the 2011-2016 Strategic Programme remain valid for 2016-2021.

2. The three enabling principles of 'exchanging knowledge', inspiring innovation and 'maintaining national and international capability' are sound, albeit that in the final research strategy, all three need to be developed in further detail.

3. The high level outcomes proposed require further refinement to ensure that they are consistent both with the research to be commissioned, and the overall vision of the next Research Strategy.

4. The proposal to move to a smaller number of Themes than the present programme is a positive step.

5. Centres of Expertise as a model for connecting advice and science, will continue.

6. Strategic Partnerships will not continue and will be replaced be alternate means to encourage science-science and science-industry collaboration.

7. The funding of specific services as underpinning capacity is valued and will continue as discrete funding stream.

8. The flexibility of the Contract Research Fund is a key feature that needs to be preserved.

9. Efforts are to be maintained in seeking strategic co-funding opportunities with other research funders, particularly where that can lead to more collaboration with Scottish HEIs.

Main points identified for further consideration in redrafting of the Research Strategy 2016-2021:

1. Resilience was an important topic for many respondents and requires additional consideration in the next round of research funded.

2. To review the Theme titles to consider how, in particular, work on ecosystems was represented.

3. To look again at the interaction between the Themes chosen and the outcomes desired, and include greater articulation on how cross working will be encouraged and secured between Themes.

4. Clearer statements on how greater use of and accessibility to the existing assets - both intellectual and physical resources - will be encouraged.

5. Provide further indication of other topic areas in which Centre of Expertise-type initiatives may be considered.

6. Clearer indication of what routes to innovation will be taken, and how end-users will be engaged.

7. A clearer explanation of the approach to be adopted for co-funding opportunities.

8. Improving the visibility and accessibility of all research outputs from the Rural Affairs, Food and Environment portfolio.

9. Improve the visibility and accessibility of the results of assessment of performance management from the Rural Affairs, Food and Environment portfolio.