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Supporting Innovation in the Social Sciences: the Oxford 'Research Venturers Model'

In the current UK funding climate, innovation is becoming an increasingly important component of research activity. Oxford's Social Sciences researchers are well-placed to respond to the growing emphasis on 'innovation and impact' and to maximise the benefits of research to society and the economy. Our aim is to nurture a culture of innovation across the Social Sciences by identifying ideas with potential and highlighting existing research projects that are already excelling in this area.

To do this, we need your help:

• To keep an eye out for ideas with potential to grow beyond academia
• To raise awareness of this initiative with your teams
• To share opportunities with the Social Sciences Division's Research, Impact & Engagement (RIE) Team through the expression of interest form
• To encourage people to get in touch with the RIE Team and Oxford University Innovation with questions

What to look out for?

• Professional/practitioner innovation. Projects working with practitioner communities to provide transformative tools or executive education opportunities based on cutting-edge research to advance and improve their practice.
• Innovation in public policymaking. Research exploring new thinking and innovation in public policymaking, improving regulation of financial systems and delivery of efficient public services (and cost savings) at local, national and international levels.
• Interest from external parties. Engagement from organisations or individuals outside of academia is a strong indicator that a research project or area has innovative potential.
• Organisational innovation. Ideas on transforming organisations and their strategies, policies and structures to improve corporate/ organisational governance and Corporate Social Responsibility. Perhaps enabling them to manage risk (environmental and actuarial) or improve management, accounting, and investment techniques.
• Academic enthusiasm. If there is a will there is a way! Expressions of interest are all welcome, even if ideas are very early stage or someone just wants to find out more about innovation opportunities within the Social Sciences.
• Digital technologies. Projects exploring new software, database management or algorithms lend themselves to commercialisation via practical usage.

By sharing any ideas or referring anyone to the RIE or OUI teams, there is no obligation placed on anyone to proceed. Information will be treated in confidence and with respect and all parties will be consulted before any next steps are taken.