The Innovation and Research Caucus (IRC) invites submissions for a dedicated track focused on shaping the future of the UK’s innovation ecosystem. This track provides an inclusive platform for academics, practitioners, and policymakers to share evidence-based insights that inform both policy and practice. Contributions should engage critically with the IRC’s four thematic pillars—Innovation, People, Place, and Research—and address contemporary challenges and opportunities.

Innovation is central to economic growth and societal progress. We welcome papers that explore the processes, policies, and outcomes shaping innovation across sectors. Topics may include mission-oriented innovation strategies, the role of regulatory frameworks in accelerating technology adoption, public procurement of innovation or other demand-side measures, mechanisms for technology transfer between industries, commercialisation and scale-up processes. Submissions that challenge conventional definitions of “successful” innovation or examine barriers to adoption in emerging fields are particularly encouraged.

Innovators

People are at the heart of innovation. We invite research that examines the skills, talent, and institutional capacity required to sustain a dynamic and inclusive innovation ecosystem. Relevant themes include university–industry partnerships, entrepreneurial capability development, co-creation processes, and strategies for inclusive workforce participation. Papers that foreground diversity, equity, and inclusion as drivers of innovation outcomes are especially welcome, as these factors are critical for building resilient and competitive systems.

Innovation is deeply embedded in local contexts, and geography plays a pivotal role in shaping capacity and opportunity. We encourage submissions that investigate place-based strategies, such as city-region innovation deals, local cluster development, and industrial missions. Comparative studies of regional ecosystems within the UK or across international contexts are also of interest, particularly those that highlight how local innovation can address societal challenges while promoting equitable growth.

Robust evidence underpins effective policymaking. We seek papers that demonstrate methodological innovation, adopt interdisciplinary approaches, and translate academic research into actionable strategies. Examples include evaluation frameworks for innovation policy, foresight studies on emerging technologies, and analyses of how social sciences can inform innovation practice. Contributions that bridge the gap between research and implementation are highly valued.

The IRC’s mission is to strengthen the UK’s research and innovation system through academic insight. Submissions should provide clear, actionable recommendations for building inclusive, resilient, and competitive innovation ecosystems. We particularly welcome papers that demonstrate what works, where, and why, offering pathways to more socially inclusive and geographically grounded strategies.
Accepted papers will contribute to shaping R&D&I policies that support the UK’s innovation agenda and foster collaboration across sectors and regions. By engaging with these themes, contributors will help advance a holistic understanding of innovation and inform strategies that deliver long-term impact.

Suggested list of topics:

• Mission-oriented innovation strategies and their implementation in UK sectors
• Regulatory frameworks for accelerating technology adoption
• Public procurement as a driver of innovation
• Technology transfer and commercialisation pathways between academia and industry
• Inclusive workforce development and diversity in innovation teams
• Comparative analysis of UK city-region innovation ecosystems
• Evaluation frameworks for innovation policy and foresight studies on emerging technologies
• How universities act as anchors for regional innovation ecosystems
• Mechanisms and metrics for evaluating knowledge exchange and collaboration
• Policy frameworks for enhancing societal and economic impact through research partnerships