The Vital Role of Scottish University Research and Innovation
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Programme for Government policy spotlights
Scottish universities research and innovation is integral to generating the new knowledge, improved understanding and solutions that are essential in delivering the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government priorities of: eradicating child poverty; growing our economy; tackling the climate change emergency; and improving public services.
Universities are a key component of the sustained and cohesive effort required across local and national government, the third sector, businesses, and communities to work collectively to address these priorities, especially at a time when the public finances are under pressure.
SFC have produced four policy spotlights, each focussed on a Programme for Government priority, and each demonstrating the impact of research and innovation from Scottish universities across these diverse areas.
Eradicating child poverty
Scottish universities drive meaningful change through rigorous research that addresses societal challenges, including child poverty. This spotlight showcases the importance of academic inquiry in shaping a fairer society through examples of research conducted across Scottish institutions. The research informs policy decisions, supports innovation, and contributes to economic and social well-being. By leveraging academic expertise, universities provide evidence-based solutions that shape government strategies and influence real-world change.
One key focus of Scottish research is tackling child poverty through multidisciplinary approaches, including education, health, social policy, and economic development. Universities collaborate with policymakers, charities, and community organizations to develop sustainable solutions that improve the lives of children and families.
Growing the economy
Scottish university research and innovation is integral to boosting fair, green economic growth. Collaboration between businesses and universities is essential for driving innovation, product development and services, in turn enhancing communities and providing valuable employment. This spotlight presents examples of the vital role of Scottish university research and innovation for fostering long-term economic resilience by balancing innovation, sustainability, and strategic investment in key sectors.
Universities are recognised as key drivers of foreign direct investment in Scotland and contributions are fundamental to achieving the goals of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET) and the Innovation Strategy. Additionally, the document includes examples of work that support technological advancements and digital transformation across industries.
Tackling the climate emergency
Scottish universities play a crucial role in tackling the climate emergency through research and innovation, supporting the Scottish Government’s net-zero goals. Their work spans renewable energy, sustainable construction, climate resilience, and policy development, helping drive national and global progress. This spotlight describes Scottish research driving change across different sectors including agriculture, construction and energy both nationally and globally.
Researchers are working closely with: industrial partners to translate their research into commercially viable solutions and generate economic value while benefiting the environment; communities across Scotland and further afield to develop resilience and practical solutions; as well as policy makers in Scotland, across the UK and internationally contributing to net-zero target setting, climate mitigation strategies and regulations.
Improving public services
Scottish university research and innovation has an important role in ensuring high quality and sustainable public services. It supports the access, understanding and navigation of Scotland’s public services and drives innovation and stimulates new approaches and processes that save the public sector money, boost standards and drive efficiency.
This spotlight demonstrates impacts across a wide range of public services in Scotland, from health and social care through the National Health Service to schools, Police Scotland and the justice system, councils, public transport systems and more.
SFC support for research and innovation
SFC core grants for research and innovation are essential in supporting university capacity and underpinning the funding sources which support the research showcased here. SFC investment in research and innovation leverages project funding from a wide variety of sources including industry, charities such as Crisis and the Nuffield, UKRI, local authorities and the Scottish Government.
For more information on how SFC supports research & innovation in Scotland see The Bedrock of University Research: SFC’s Research Excellence Grant.
SFC Strategic Plan 2022-27
Building a connected, agile, sustainable tertiary education and research system for Scotland.