What is social sciences innovation and why is it important?
In the social sciences, innovation can take many forms - from action research that transforms organisations and communities, to applying rigorous research methods to shape emerging policies or technologies in ways that help people flourish. Social sciences innovation creates both social and economic value, helping to tackle the grand challenges of our time, like addressing inequality, climate change, or public health crises.
For researchers, innovation is now a valuable and integral part of the research life cycle. By collaborating to exchange expertise, knowledge and insights, social scientists can bolster their research capacity, reduce their dependence on grants, and deliver real-world solutions.
At the University of Oxford, we're fostering an environment where innovation to create new ways of thinking and acting is encouraged and valued.
What can innovation in the social sciences look like?
- Solving societal challenges with practical solutions: Tackling issues like inequality, sustainability and public health
- Collaborative, systems-based research: Taking a holistic approach and breaking down silos to address complex problems
- Real-world testing: Piloting and evaluating ideas from research in businesses and communities
- People-centred research: Integrating social sciences into the development of socially responsible policies and technologies
- Co-production: Partnering directly with communities and end users to shape research
- Strengthening external partnerships: Building connections to catalyse and amplify impact from research
- Independent funding: Raising funds from alternative sources to sustain research
Case studies
Are you looking for inspiration to incorporate innovation into your own research, or the activities of those you support?
Discover the stories of four social scientists whose innovation has introduced new ideas into society, and who are leading innovative partnerships that have sparked meaningful change, in our videos below.
Where to find support
The Division's Research, Impact & Engagement (RIE) Team provides a range of support and initiatives to help researchers explore opportunities to generate scalable and sustainable real-world impact from their research, including:
- Guidance on generating real-world impact
- Access to funding and partnership opportunities
- Initiatives to help you scale your research innovations
Get in touch at innovation@socsci.ox.ac.uk
