Government

In 2019 Research England commissioned SQW, supported by City-REDI, to undertake a study examining the potential theory-based approaches that Research England could implement as part of the next overall evaluation of the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). Such theory-based approaches had not previously been implemented systematically or at a national level in a UK knowledge exchange (KE) context and were therefore considered novel. 

This is the final version of the KE Concordat, published in May 2020 following a sector consultation. Accompanying information will be published on the Concordat portal https://www.keconcordat.ac.uk/. 

Knowledge and innovation are central to the UK’s future productivity and growth. They are a key focus of the government’s Industrial Strategy. These strengths are apparent in the public sector as well as the private sector, where research has highlighted a large growth in the value of the UK public sector’s knowledge assets. Work undertaken as part of the Balance Sheet Review, launched at Autumn Budget 2017 and tasked with getting better value from government’s wide range of assets and liabilities, brought to light the scale and variety of knowledge assets held by the public sector.

This report was commissioned by the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation (Chris Skidmore). It was authored by Professor Adrian Smith and Professor Graeme Reid following a period of sector consultation. The final report was published in November 2019. Information on the background to the review and the consultation can be found on the gov.uk website here. A copy of the report is also available here. 

In late 2016, HEFCE invited long-term strategies from higher education institutions (HEIs) in receipt of a 2016-17 Higher Education Innovation Fund allocation to submit five-year knowledge exchange (KE) strategies, as the basis for release of future allocations. HEFCE commissioned researchers RSM PACEC to assess the strategies, and to produce an overview report.

PraxisUnico/AURIL has submitted evidence to the House of Lords Science & Technology Select Committee Inquiry 'Life Sciences and the industrial Strategy'. The inquiry will investigate issues such as whether the Government has the necessary structures in place to support the life sciences sector; how the NHS can use procurement to stimulate innovation and the contents of the new life sciences industrial strategy, published at the end of August and welcomed by PraxisUnico/AURIL.

PraxisAuril responded to this consultation on behalf of members, emphasising the organisation's primary purpose as a professional network and training organisation dedicated to sharing expertise and experience across the sector. Key points made in the response included: 

PraxisUnico/AURIL submitted a response to the Reid Review of Government Funded Innovation in Wales at the end of June 2017. Our purpose in contributing to this Review was to underline the importance of maintaining a professional, skilled network in research institutions that can help to stimulate innovation, productivity and growth; locally and nationally for economic and social benefit and with a wide range of external stakeholders.

PraxisUnico and AURIL welcome the Industrial Strategy Green Paper and in particular the Government’s recognition of and commitment to science, research and innovation as the first strategic ‘pillar’.

PraxisUnico submitted this reponse to the UK Government's National Innovation Plan in May 2016. In it we highlight the contribution of the research base through innovation, commercialisation and collaboration; underlining the importance of personal and institutional relationships at local, national and international levels.