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This inquiry represents the first thematic scrutiny of Research Council activity. We found that the Research Councils have an important role to play in adding value to research supported across the UK and that there is general support for the knowledge transfer schemes they have implemented. We remain convinced that the main priority of the Research Councils should be in the support of basic research and that their knowledge transfer agenda, whilst important, should not detract from this.
We found weaknesses in Research Council strategies for promotion of knowledge transfer. The view of knowledge transfer taken by some Councils is too narrow, with a focus on technology transfer and little attention paid to the wider issues, such as policy development. There is also a perception that the Research Councils are not closely attuned to research user requirements and that their attention is focused on informing stakeholders rather than consulting on stakeholder needs. In addition, there is a particular need for the Research Councils to enhance communication and engagement with the Regional Development Agencies and Small and Medium size Enterprises.
We found little evidence of Research Council co-ordination or sharing of best practice in knowledge transfer. Also, despite their clear remit to co-ordinate and harmonise, we have not seen that there has been any added value from Research Councils UK in this area. Whilst some Councils have a simple funding structure for knowledge transfer, in other cases, a high level of confusion has been created since there are so many schemes in operation. Also, whilst in some cases, the Research Councils have taken a strategic approach to increase the number of their staff with skills and expertise in knowledge transfer, others have not done so.
The Research Councils have published a set of performance assessment metrics. However, there is a danger that activity rather than output will be measured and that the activities of the research community may be influenced. Whilst we welcome the recent External Challenge of Research Councils knowledge transfer activities, this review failed to evaluate individual Research Councils knowledge transfer schemes due to lack of resources. Since the Research Councils conduct little internal impact analysis of their knowledge transfer schemes, it is difficult to see how they can effectively allocate funding to different knowledge transfer activities.
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