An outstanding R&I system is one that runs right across the UK, giving everyone the opportunity to contribute and to benefit. This system should created by everyone, for everyone.
This is UKRI’s vision, and it’s powerfully illustrated by the Community Research Networks programme, which was established to empower underrepresented groups through research and innovation, flipping traditional funding models and enabling communities to harness local knowledge to deliver R&I solutions to the issues that matter to them.
Supporting connectivity and collaboration
We know this approach works. For me, it is a priority that we weave research and innovation across our society, re-connecting it to people and communities. We aim to steward an R&I system that is open and inclusive, that values community-led R&I and diverse forms of knowledge, that acts in the interests of society, that finds solutions to local and national challenges, and that supports connectivity and collaboration.
Research and innovation are fundamentally about hope and empowerment. Embedded as part of a truly shared endeavour, R&I can bring people together to improve lives and livelihoods, for everyone. R&I have the power to turn challenges into opportunities, bringing people together to find solutions.
A new movement in R&I
UKRI’s focus on community-led R&I is a movement that we’re excited to be driving forward, with the nine Community Research Networks engaged in this programme, and with The Young Foundation. This programme marks a significant change, expanding how, and by whom, R&I is delivered.
This is reflected across the Community Research Networks, tackling everything from urban innovation in Belfast through to rural challenges in Country Durham. All those engaged in this programme are doing important work within and on behalf of their communities, many of whom are feeling the effects of entrenched social and economic issues. Locally-led R&I interventions can make a real difference to lives and livelihoods across the UK. They are powerful, driving solutions to the challenges we face. And these R&I tools should be available to everyone.
DBE FRS, Chief Executive, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Read more about Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser DBE FRS
Community Community leadership Community wellbeing Social innovation Systems change Posted on: 18 December 2024