EPSRC, on behalf of the UK Research Councils, is conducting a review of the impact of RCUK-supported Digital Economy investments. The 2012 RCUK Digital Economy Impact Review will focus on the entire Research Councils’ Digital Economy portfolio, not just on the research supported by the RCUK Digital Economy Theme.
RCUK uses reviews to benchmark the strength of UK research activity in a discipline or area of study compared to those found across the world and to highlight any gaps or missed opportunities. Each review provides a broad perspective on the research activity and is undertaken with the relevant research councils and other learned institutions as appropriate. The information provided from these reviews is used in developing the Research Councils’ business and investment plans.
Review Panel
We will be asking a panel, which will include international members and user organisations, to undertake the review. Further details on the Review Panel, when available, can be found here.
Evidence Sources
The planned information sources for the Review Panel include a small number of visits to major DE-funded centres, impact information from a survey of the whole portfolio, a public consultation and a number of interviews with projects across the wider portfolio. Further details on the evidence sources that the panel will be able to access can be found here.
To send us your views please complete our online survey. The deadline for completing the survey is Friday 16th March 2012.
Review Dates
The Review Panel will be held from 14th May 2012 until 18th May 2012.
Panel Report
The major review deliverable is a report from the panel, which will be the basis for an action plan developed by the DE Theme as part of our wider DE Impact strategy, to maximising its impact over the rest of the period 2011-2015.
- A link to the Panel Report will be provided following the review
- A link to the Action Plan will be provided following the review
Review Advisory Board
A Review Advisory Board has been assembled, to provide advice on the format and operation of the review. Its membership is:
- Dr David Watson, IBM UK Ltd (Member of EPSRC Council, Chair of the DE Programme Advisory Board)
- Professor David Hogg, University of Leeds (Member of EPSRC ICT Strategic Advisory Team)
- Andrew Herbert, Chair of Review Panel (OBE, FREng, previously Chairman of Microsoft EMEA).
Contacts
Dr John Baird, DE Theme Lead (John.Baird@epsrc.ac.uk, 01793 4444047)
Dr Richard Bailey, Review Project Manager (Richard.Bailey@epsrc.ac.uk, 01793 4444047)
Please do not contact members of the Review Panel directly.
Review Panel subpage
Review Panel
We will be asking a panel, which will include UK and international academics and user organisations, to undertake the review. The Review Panel will be chaired by Andrew Herbert OBE, FREng (previously Chairman of Microsoft EMEA).
Panel membership
Full Panel membership will be announced nearer the review date.
Please do not contact members of the Review Panel directly.
Terms of Reference
The Panel will assess the extent to which the theme (and associated research) has:
- Delivered tangible benefits (impact) to the UK in areas identified to be of strategic importance to the UK economy, UK society and the UK research community
- Shown international excellence in respect of originality, significance, rigour and exploitation of research and training
- Added value and accelerated progress beyond what would have been achieved without the theme.
The panel will deliver a report identifying further opportunities to maximize the impact of the theme and making recommendations to the UK research community and Research Councils as to the means by which this may be accomplished.
Contacts
Dr John Baird, DE Theme Lead (John.Baird@epsrc.ac.uk, 01793 4444047)
Dr Richard Bailey, Review Project Manager (Richard.Bailey@epsrc.ac.uk, 01793 4444047)