UK SBS CR18142 International landscape study: an exploration of research and innovation systems

UK Research and Innovation- Research England had a requirement for;

To undertake an examination of a selection of nations' approaches to research assessment and its relationship to funding. The study will take into account the role of governments, funders, universities, research organisations, and other funders of research in the national systems.

The study will build on Research Performance Based Funding Systems: a Comparative Assessment which provides an introductory assessment to a number of nations' systems. The sample of countries will include countries with close to equivalent systems to the UK, countries with very different but successful systems, and emerging research nations.

The purpose of this research is to address the following key questions:

• What is the range of research assessment approaches deployed by research active nations?

• What is the relationship between a nation's research assessment approach and funding?

• How are the approaches developed and evaluated?

The research sample should include: countries with similar systems to the UK; countries with systems that are successful but different to the UK; and systems developing in emerging research nations. The full list of nations to be examined will be selected in dialogue with the successful bidders and bidders should provide a preliminary list as part of their proposal. The sample should aim to capture the diversity of approaches globally and will not be restricted geographically. To inform the costings of the proposal we suggest a sample of 15-20 countries.

Researchers are asked to apply a range of methods including desk research, analysis of existing data and where appropriate, remote interviewing. The primary output will be a written report to Research England containing a clear assessment of the systems examined. The report will be published. Research England will work closely with the project team throughout and will require weekly updates by email or telephone as required updates on progress and findings.

The requirement was advertised under CR150025BIS BEIS Research & Evaluation Framework- Lot 1