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3. METHODOLOGY
The three main engagement mechanisms used in undertaking the review were:
- face to face interviews with senior decision-makers;
- workshops with researchers and stakeholders, in particular those with an interest in innovative research; and
- a dedicated website open for general input.
The participants for the review (over 100 in total) were identified in consultation with the Scottish Government project team. The list was not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to ensure the inclusion of all policy directorates, main research providers and a range of NDPBs, end users and civic society actors. The details of the methodology are provided in Annex 1. The approach for all aspects was to consider first the policy drivers and challenges (looking at 0-5 years, 5-10 years and up to 30 years ahead). Having set the context the primary aim was to tease out the associated knowledge gaps and research needs. The focus was on obtaining a broad range of views, and for the purpose of this review the approach was not limited to the boundaries of the current Scottish Government Rural and Environment programme. The material generated by this exercise was analysed qualitatively.
Other activities supplemented the primary stakeholder engagement:
- a short literature review was undertaken [Horizon Scanning for Scotland's Future] using publicly available documents and in particular literature identified by participants during the interview and website review process. This document brings together some 120 sources of published information relating to or relevant to future trends for Scotland
- liaison with a similar and parallel horizon-scanning study funded by the Environmental Research Funders Forum ( ERFF) seeking to identify the most important dimensions of uncertainty for the environment that will impact on the UK's interests in the next 20 years.
- liaison with the Environment Agency Horizon Scanning Unit which takes a rigorous evidence-based approach to identifying emerging science and technology issues which are relevant to future policies and science programmes
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