Supporting innovation through applied social science insights: learnings from Innovation Caucus

Syahirah Abdul-Rahman and Tim Vorley

Chapter 22 in How to Scale Engagement and Impact in Universities, 2025, pp 245-254 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Abstract: This chapter is about the Innovation Caucus, a knowledge exchange initiative launched in 2014 by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Technology Strategy Board (now Innovate UK) to enhance engagement and knowledge exchange between social sciences and innovation policy. It explores how this experimental approach brought together social scientists, known as "thought leaders," to facilitate knowledge exchange among funders, policy actors, academics, and industry stakeholders. Initially focused on demonstrating the value of social science in innovation, Innovation Caucus evolved through three phases, expanding its membership and scope to become a leading hub of expertise in innovation theory, policy, and practice. The chapter highlights the challenges and opportunities in scaling engagement and impact between academia and policy using Innovation Caucus as a case study, emphasising the importance of time, patience, and collaboration in building effective knowledge exchange networks. It also discusses the value of self-evaluation in refining and expanding similar knowledge exchange initiatives to strengthen future engagement efforts.

Keywords: Innovation Caucus; Knowledge exchange; Social Sciences; Innovation policy; Thought leadership; Academia–policy engagement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035337422
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