Establishing Defra’s evidence needs Dr Steven Hill Chief Scientific Adviser’s Secretariat, Science Directorate
::Summary:: Drivers for our evidence and innovation needs Defra’s strategic priorities Analysis of long term needs Approach to assessing evidence and innovation needs Statements of Need Sustainable Farming and Food Research Priorities Group Strategic analysis
Climate change and energy efficiency Sustainable consumption and production Natural resource protection Sustainable rural communities Sustainable food and farming including animal health and welfare Sustainable Development Emergency preparedness
Foundations – long-term assessment of needs
Key 10 year drivers Increasing range of needs, costs, collaboration opportunities Multi-disciplinary evidence needs to support policy Focus on innovation Stakeholder and public engagement
Understanding the constraints on E&I investment strategies Evaluating where E&I makes the most impact Prioritisation: Where will our resources add the most value? Developing Defra’s Evidence and Innovation Strategy Identifying the E&I needs for strategic outcomes Still to do Completed
Identifying Evidence and Innovation needs For each strategic outcome… …top down approach
Statements of Need – the process Strategic OutcomeStrategic Targets Policy OutcomesPolicy Targets/trends/drivers Evidence & Innovation NeedsE&I Needs Clusters Prioritisation of ClustersBenefits/Value if Needs met
Identifying Evidence and Innovation needs For each strategic outcome… …top down approach Special case: Sustainable Farming and Food Research Priorities Group
Research Priorities Group – Terms of Reference To advise Defra on strategic priorities for publicly funded research in support of sustainable farming and food industries in the UK, taking into account the strategic direction of UK and EU farming policy and EU research activity. To inform other farming and food research funders and the research community of these priorities. To identify means of improved co-ordination and integration of the funding and delivery of relevant publicly funded research addressing the identified strategic priorities. To publicise the strategic priorities identified and progress towards addressing them.
Research Priorities Group – process RPG: chaired by Professor Chris Pollock; members from farming and food industry and science base Six stakeholder workshops Public consultation (BA Festival of Science) Emerging technology subgroup
Research Priorities Group – first report Source text for statements of need under the Sustainable Food and Farming strategic objective
Understanding the constraints on E&I investment strategies Evaluating where E&I makes the most impact Prioritisation: Where will our resources add the most value? Developing Defra’s Evidence and Innovation Strategy Identifying the E&I needs for strategic outcomes Still to do Completed