EPSRC, on behalf of the UK Research Councils, is conducting a review of the impact of RCUK-supported Digital Economy research over the coming months. This review will focus on the entire Research Councils’ Digital Economy portfolio, not just on the research and training supported by the RCUK Digital Economy Theme.
The review, which will be chaired by Andrew Herbert OBE, FREng (previously Chairman of Microsoft EMEA) will assess the extent to which the portfolio 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.
The Review will be undertaken by a panel of internationally-leading academics and users from across and outside the UK; the panel will visit a number of UK research groups and have access to supporting data to help them reach their conclusions.
As part of the supporting data, we will be conducting a number of surveys before the review and we are keen to hear the views of the widest possible audience. As well as seeking the views of the researchers involved, we are seeking the views of individuals and organisations with an involvement or interest in Digital Economy research. To send us your views please complete our online survey. The deadline for completing the survey is Friday 9th March 2012.
We plan to publish the Panel Report during the summer of 2012 and the Theme Action Plan during the autumn of 2012. Further information is available here.
If you have any questions please contact:
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)