Understanding R&D in the arts, humanities and social sciences

Abstract

Despite much discussion and debate, research and development (R&D) is still often considered as the domain of hard science and technology. Furthermore, it is not commonly known by industry and policymakers that the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development�s (OECD) Frascati Manual � the internationally accepted methodology for collecting and reporting data on R&D � formally recognises the arts, humanities and social sciences (AHSS) in R&D. The UK collects data on R&D using the Frascati Manual definition. However, arguably, what matters for the UK is how R&D is defined for policy purposes. For example, the UK tax authorities choose to explicitly exclude AHSS R&D from their definitions for the purpose of tax relief. This paper explores the role of AHSS R&D in UK business. Drawing upon a review of the policy literature and interviews with 13 businesses that undertake AHSS research, and an additional 14 interviews with policymakers and other stakeholders, the paper presents recommendations for government, funders and business, and it concludes that more inclusive definitions and data are important for evidence-informed policy. Without the right definitions and tools to measure it and effective policies in place to support it, the Government risks ignoring the full value of R&D in the UK economy, and missing out on incentivising investment in innovation in AHSS-related sectors and activities.

Understanding social sciences, humanities and arts for people and the economy (SHAPE) R&D in the UK and internationally

“…The British Academy commissioned RAND Europe to conduct a research project on 'Understanding the social sciences, humanities and arts for people and the economy (SHAPE) Research and Development (R&D) in the UK and internationally'. There are concerns that current definitions of R&D used in UK government datasets do not fully capture the extent and role of SHAPE R&D in the UK economy (Hasan Bakhshi, Breckon and Puttick 2021). This risks undervaluing the important contribution of SHAPE R&D, particularly considering that the UK economy is largely service-based, and risks underestimating the role of SHAPE R&D in contributing to the government's target of 2.4% of GDP being invested in R&D by 2027 (Hutton 2021).…”

“…The British Academy commissioned RAND Europe to conduct a research project on 'Understanding the social sciences, humanities and arts for people and the economy (SHAPE) 1 Research and Development (R&D) in the UK and internationally'. The project was commissioned in response to concerns that current definitions of business R&D used in UK government datasets do not fully capture the extent and role of SHAPE R&D in the UK economy (Hasan Bakhshi, Breckon and Puttick 2021). The recent UK Innovation Strategy highlights R&D as a key part of the government's agenda as it aims to increase annual public investment in R&D to £22 billion by 2035 (BEIS 2021).…”

“…The recent UK Innovation Strategy highlights R&D as a key part of the government's agenda as it aims to increase annual public investment in R&D to £22 billion by 2035 (BEIS 2021). A narrow definition of R&D, which does not fully recognise the contribution of the arts, humanities and social sciences, risks undervaluing the contribution of SHAPE R&D (Hasan Bakhshi, Breckon and Puttick 2021). This is particularly concerning considering the UK economy is largely service-based, and risks missing out on SHAPE contributions to the Government's target of 2.4% of GDP being invested in R&D by 2027 (Hutton 2021;BEIS 2021).…”

“…In February 2022, the British Academy and RAND Europe had a formal inception meeting to discuss aims, approaches and timelines. During this meeting, two related studies were discussed: one study commissioned by the British Academy and conducted by Frontier Economics, and one study conducted by Nesta and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre on business R&D in SHAPE subjects (H Bakhshi, Breckon and Puttick 2021a). In response to this, information sharing calls were organised between RAND Europe and Frontier Economics to discuss both research projects.…”

Simple Analytical Method on the Determination of Dexamethasone in Herbal Medicine

“…is bond can accept electrons from metal orbitals if they have comparable energy but higher electron affinity than the donor ligand [22].…”