Internationally
Recognised Research
Build on our strengths in applied research to
support the social, economic and cultural
wellbeing of our global society through
interdisciplinary work, collaboration and
excellence. Focus our activity and investment
in research and knowledge exchange on areas
of potential growth, demonstrable strength, and
greatest likely benefit to society. Become a leader
in addressing the priority challenge areas of
healthy ageing, food production, audience of the
future and next generation services. Contribute
to relevant areas of research resulting from the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Outcomes:
• An optimised percentage of research active
staff creating a critical mass with the ability
to drive research strategy.
• An increase in the overall quality profile of
research publications.
• An increase in externally secured research
income.
• A clearly defined research collaboration
strategy that facilitates and supports all
levels of partnership working.
Innovation
Build on our existing strengths in new product
development in food and drink, creative enterprise,
social innovation and female entrepreneurship.
Further embed enterprise and innovation across
the academic portfolio and staff culture. Being
cognisant of the disruption resulting from
Covid-19, continue to be an anchor institution in
the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region
Deal, providing strategic leadership, connectivity
and coherence in innovation strategically integrated
into the regional growth agenda.
Outcomes:
• An increase in the number, range and
survival rates of graduate start-up
companies.
• An increase in the number of female staff
and student entrepreneurs.
• An increase in income from innovation
activity.
• City Deal funding secured and construction
of an Innovation Hub well under way.
• New industry-facing programmes.
• A new pipeline of industry facing
collaborative PhDs.
• An increase in demand led innovation activity
across the academic portfolio.
Find out more about our
research and knowledge
exchange work
Learn about how our
work in speech is
transforming lives
Strategic Plan 2020 | 13