Innovation in services: the role of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM): call for evidence

The Royal Society has opened a study on the role of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in services sector innovation. Organisations and individuals are invited to contribute to the study by responding to our call for evidence.

Services account for approximately 70% of the UK economy and include the government and public sector as well as some of the country's most innovative and highest performing private sectors financial services, business support services, retail and the creative industries among them.

Innovation plays an important role in these sectors yet it is widely accepted that traditional innovation models and policies tend to focus on a narrow conception of innovation mainly the support of R&D in manufacturing industries. Other approaches may be required to support innovation in services.

Although there is growing recognition of the importance of innovation in services, understanding of the role of STEM in services sector innovation remains poor. To support the development of an evidence-based approach to UK innovation policy, the Royal Society now seeks evidence on the role of STEM in services sector innovation processes. We are interested in these disciplines and any others used alongside or in support of STEM (e.g. social sciences including economics) in innovation processes.

The Royal Society has set up a working group to explore the role of STEM in service sector innovation. The group is expected to report on its findings in 2009 and will:

• Consider evidence of interactions between STEM and services organisations with a focus on the nature, extent and role of these engagements in services sector innovation processes.
• Consider the full range of services sectors as defined by the ONS (including the public sector).
• Draw examples from work in the following sectors:
  - Public services (especially health)
  - Business services (especially specialist design/engineering consultancies)
  - Financial services (especially insurance, derivatives and retail banking)
  - Retail
• Explore the role of STEM in the development of a number of cross-cutting innovation capabilities.
• Produce policy recommendations on ways to enhance the contribution of STEM to services sector innovation.

Separate calls for evidence have been produced for services organisations and trade bodies (from the private, public or voluntary sector) and research and academic institutions.

Call for evidence (firms) (PDF)

Call for evidence (academics) (PDF)

The deadline for submissions is 18 August 2008.

Read the related press release here

For more information contact Nicola Berkley on +44(0) 207 451 2219

Labels: STEM in services