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Strategies for emerging research and innovation futures

Effie Amanatidou (Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK)
Ozcan Saritas (Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, and National Research University, Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia)
Denis Loveridge (Manchester Institute of Innovation Research Manchester, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK)

Foresight

ISSN: 1463-6689

Article publication date: 13 June 2016

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a set of strategic options for Research and Innovation (R&I) stakeholders in the light of new and emerging ways of organising and performing research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first reviews the evolution of the R&I landscape and identifies the most influential stakeholders engaged in R&I. In the light of the scenarios developed for the year 2030, a set of strategic options are identified and assessed for each stakeholder group.

Findings

R&I systems are now more complex than 50 years ago and will be even more in the future. Radical changes are expected in terms of the ways research is funded, organised and carried out. Some of these transformations are captured by the scenarios developed. The analysis of scenarios indicated that their feasibility and desirability differ across different sectors of industry, and research areas within the research landscape.

Research limitations/implications

Scenarios and strategies presented in the paper bring new considerations on the way research activities are practiced. Further research is considered to be useful on the new modes of research and implications for academia, industry, society and policy makers.

Practical implications

The discussion around the responses of different stakeholders vis-à-vis specific scenarios about the future in R&I practices and organisation gives a practical view about how to deal with associated emerging trends and issues.

Social implications

Society is a crucial stakeholder of all R&I activities. The transformative scenarios suggest that society will not only be playing a reactive role on the demand side but also more proactive role on the supply side in the decades to come.

Originality/value

The paper is based on work undertaken within the Research and Innovation (RIF) 2030 project. As R&I activities will be important for the development and competitiveness of the EU and its member states, the work presented here is considered to be of value by highlighting how to create more resilient strategies in a fast-changing R&I landscape.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The Research and Innovation Futures 2030: From explorative to transformative Scenarios (RIF 2030) project was funded by the European Commission's 7th Framework Programme (Proposal N°289058).

Dr Ozcan Saritas’ contribution in this publication was supported within the framework of the Basic Research Program at the National Research University, Higher School of Economics (HSE) and was funded within the framework of the subsidy granted to the HSE by the Government of the Russian Federation for the implementation of the Global Competitiveness Program.

Citation

Amanatidou, E., Saritas, O. and Loveridge, D. (2016), "Strategies for emerging research and innovation futures", Foresight, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 253-275. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-07-2014-0048

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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