Research and Development in Commerce, focusing on the fields of art, humanities, and social sciences

Research and Development in Commerce, focusing on the fields of art, humanities, and social sciences

In the UK, Research and Development (R&D) in the arts, humanities, and social sciences (AHSS) is a driving force behind innovation, creativity, and cultural engagement within businesses. These disciplines offer unique problem-solving perspectives, promote cultural competence, support the thriving creative industries, and guide ethical and socially responsible business practices.

A recent study, based on a detailed literature review, desk research, interviews, and case studies from thirteen businesses across various sectors, provides insights into the importance of AHSS R&D in a business setting. The study is related to policy briefings on Education, Skills, Talent, Internationalisation, State of the Nations, and Geography of the Creative Industries.

For policymakers, AHSS R&D is essential for informed decision-making, cultural heritage management, addressing social justice and equality issues, integrating humanities insights into environmental and global challenges, and leveraging the economic contributions of the creative industries.

Professor Hasan Bakhshi MBE, the Director of Creative PEC, and Ruth Puttick, a Senior Research Associate at Nesta, have authored several policy briefings on these topics. For instance, the policy brief "Three ways to support growth in the creative industries" offers suggestions for fostering growth in the creative sectors, while "Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector" outlines recommendations for sustainable theatre production.

However, there is a risk of a "gulf" between how R&D happens and the policies that support it, particularly in the AHSS sectors. A policy briefing summarises the main findings from a research study that addresses this issue, presenting implications for policy. The briefing is structured around ten headline findings that discuss the broad nature of R&D in the AHSS, the limitations of current R&D definitions and data collection methods, and the opportunities for more effective research and innovation policymaking.

The UK government has made strong commitments to increasing investment in R&D to address economic, social, and global challenges. The government aims to invest 2.4% of GDP in R&D by 2027 and increase it to 3%. This increased investment in R&D could help bridge the gap between R&D and policies, ensuring that the valuable insights from AHSS research are better represented and utilised.

References: [1] Bakhshi, H., Breckon, J. and Puttick, R (2021) Business R&D in the arts, humanities and social sciences. London: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Nesta. [2] Puttick, R. (2021) Audiences and Workforce in Arts Culture and Heritage. London: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre. [5] Breckon, J. (2021) Three ways to support growth in the creative industries. London: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre.

1. The unique perspectives offered by Research and Development (R&D) in the arts, humanities, and social sciences (AHSS) are instrumental in driving innovation and creativity within businesses in the UK.
2. A comprehensive study, involving literature review, desk research, interviews, and case studies from multiple industries, highlights the significance of AHSS R&D in business settings.
3. This study is correlated with policy briefings on Education, Skills, Talent, Internationalisation, State of the Nations, Geography of the Creative Industries, and more.
4. For policymakers, AHSS R&D is indispensable for informed decision-making, cultural heritage management, and addressing social justice and equality issues.
5. Professor Hasan Bakhshi MBE and Ruth Puttick, from Creative PEC and Nesta respectively, have authored several policy briefings, such as "Three ways to support growth in the creative industries" and "Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector."
6. There is a potential disparity between how R&D occurs and the policies that support it, particularly in the AHSS sectors, which a research study aims to address.
7. The policy briefing derived from the study presents implications for policy, with a focus on ten headline findings that discuss the broader aspects of AHSS R&D, the limitations of current R&D definitions and data collection methods, and opportunities for better research and innovation policymaking.
8. The UK government has pledged to boost R&D investment to tackle economic, social, and global challenges, aiming to invest 2.4% of GDP in R&D by 2027 and increase it to 3%.
9. Increased investment in R&D could help bridge the gap between R&D and policies, ensuring that the valuable insights from AHSS research are better represented and utilized.
10. The evidence from AHSS R&D supports the integration of humanities insights into environmental and global challenges, promoting cultural competence and guiding ethical and socially responsible business practices.
11. The arts and creative industries contribute significantly to the UK economy, and the thriving of these sectors depends on the continued support of AHSS R&D.
12. Policy-and-legislation, politics, general-news, finance, industries, clusters, culture, and innovation are all influenced by the research findings and recommendations from AHSS disciplines in the R&D context.

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