| Summary
This inquiry represents the final instalment of the Committee's rolling programme of scrutiny of the seven Research Councils. We sought to examine all aspects of the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC's) work, including: its support for research and researchers; interaction with other Research Councils, industry and Government; and response towards skills shortages in social science subjects.
ESRC has recently undertaken a major consultation on its new strategic framework and future priorities. It is now important that ESRC makes use of this feedback to inform the development of its forward strategy and operating plan. In particular, ESRC needs to increase the proportion of funding available for responsive mode research. We propose that this should be achieved in part through a reduction in the proportion of funding devoted to Research Centres. ESRC should also follow the example of other Research Councils by introducing a fund to support new investigators. In addition, we urge the Research Councils to continue working to reduce barriers to interdisciplinary research, for example by harmonisation of their grant administration processes.
ESRC has taken welcome steps to strengthen its engagement with its research and user communities in both the public and private sector. It has Concordats with many Government Departments and is now developing relationships with Regional Development Agencies. ESRC researchers have also had some useful interactions with industrial partners. We commend ESRC's attempts to enhance its links with the public and private sector and encourage it to continue to support such activities.
We are extremely concerned about the skills shortages in quantitative social science disciplines. ESRC has introduced some measures, such as prioritising studentships in key subjects, in an effort to address these shortages. However, ESRC's budget is limited and the shortages of skilled personnel in quantitative subjects affect all the scientific disciplines. A cross-Council approach to resolving the problems of skills shortages is therefore essential. We recommend the establishment of a Strategic Capabilities Fund to address these skills shortages and to ensure geographical coverage in key subjects.
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