SPRU is one of the world's leading research institutes in the areas of
policy for, and management of, science, technology and innovation
(STI).
Our objectives are:
- to undertake multidisciplinary academic research of the highest
standard in STI developments and their impact on society
- to generate new empirical data, methods, concepts and theories which
explain the place of STI in the global economy
- to deliver world-class postgraduate training which provides students
with the analytical and practical skills needed
- to understand and respond to the STI challenges of the
future
- to advise government policy makers in the UK and internationally on
the economic, social and political challenges presented by
developments in science and technology
- to work with firms to develop the tools and techniques needed to
manage STI for competitiveness.
SPRU has a team of 40 researchers from a variety of disciplinary and
professional backgrounds in the social and natural sciences and
engineering. We are a non-profit organisation funded by grants from
research councils and foundations; contracts from government, business
and international bodies; and teaching. We value the independence and
impartiality which this varied funding allows.
The SPRU research library is a key international resource in the field
of STI research. The continually expanding collection covers the
economics of technical change, technology and innovation management,
science and technology indicators, research evaluation, technology in
developing countries, energy policy, information and communication
technology policy, national science and technology policies,
environmental and social implications of technical change, and
chemical and nuclear arms control.
Research is organised around broad themes which often cut across
sectors and geographical boundaries.
- Technology and Innovation in Industry and Firms
- The strategy, structure and dynamics of innovating firms
- Innovation in complex product systems
- Technological change in the defence industries
- Research and innovation in biotechnology
- Innovation in the built environment
- Science, Technology and Development
- The realignment of research systems
- Technology and innovation in transition economies
- Technological dynamics of Asian industrialisation
- Technology and social cohesion
- Information technology for development
- Energy and Environmental Policies
- Technology and liberalisation
- Energy markets and regulation
- Towards energy sustainability
- New approaches in environmental policy
- Environmental and consumer protection: analysing the policy process
- Technology Governance and Regulation
- Technology controls on non-proliferation regimes
- Information and communication technology policy
- Politics and economics of the information society
Two new SPRU centres provide a focus for future research.