A prototype methodology for producing datasets on UK innovation performance

SDG Economic Development are assisting the UK Smart Specialisation Hub (part of Innovate UK) in defining the unmet requirements for data on the international dimensions of place-based innovation performance. The objectives of the project are to:

• Identify requirements for improved data on international comparisons of innovation performance and international connectivity;

• Perform a gap analysis to determine which of these requirements are being (or will be expected to be) met and which are not;

• Develop and pilot a methodology able to address the highest priority requirements (where feasible); and

• Produce a report for informing future work in this area.

The project will involve a sequence of stakeholder workshops together with deskwork and methodology deployment tests in three geographical regions of the UK and for two UK industrial sectors.

The work builds on our earlier assessment for the Smart Specialisation Hub of the extent to which national innovation datasets were fit-for-purpose for those consortia submitting Science and Innovation Audits to central government.