RESEARCH STRATEGY 2011-2016 - DISCUSSION DOCUMENT
Background
The current research strategy runs from January 2005 until March 2011. This Strategy introduced significant changes in how the Department commissions strategic research from the MRPs and in the type and coverage of research within its portfolio. It is anticipated that further re-orientation in the strategic research commissioned, and the changes in the relationship between the Department and its MRPs will be signalled in the next Research Strategy that will run from April 2011.
In order to allow time for the research providers to adapt to any changes through their business planning processes, development of the next strategy needs to start now. Our aim is to obtain Ministers' agreement to an outline of the format and content of the next research strategy and to publish a framework document describing this along with indicative budgets by the end of March 2008.
To this end we intend to take forward a consultation and review exercise during 2007.
Process of review and consultation
There are a number of sources of information, advice and understanding that will be required to help build the framework strategy. It is envisaged that these will largely go forward in parallel over the first part of 2007 to be brought together to form the basis of a document that would be issued for public consultation in the autumn of 2007.
There are 4 main streams of information and advice that will contribute to this exercise.
1. The Strategic Science Advisory Panel advice. (Considerations are at a strategic and generic research needs level; it does not cover research topics at a detailed level.)
2. Analysis of the need for ERAD to support "national good" resources, expertise and facilities. The need for such resources was identified in the report on MRP sustainability carried out by Arthur D. Little in 2005, but further more detailed consideration of needs - within a UK context as well as a Scottish context - requires to be taken forward.
3. Analysis of policy relevant areas that need strategic research capability. Policy analysis will include all SEERAD policy groups, other core Scottish Executive Departments which rely on (or may in the future rely on) strategic research capability funded by SEERAD; and the needs of NDPBs and Agencies who are also instrumental in developing and applying such policies.
4. External stakeholder advice. Interests including industry, commerce, NGOs, academia and the like.
Outline Timetable
January 2007 - Consultations with MRPs
February 2007 - Consultation with SEERAD family
March - June 2007 - Consultation with policy divisions and other stakeholders
September 2007 - SSAP Open meeting (provisionally 25 September) to discuss findings
October - December 2007 - Public consultation on 'outline' strategy
March 2008 - Publication of Research Strategy Framework Document
SSAP Secretariat
Feb 2007