Introduction
Commissioning of the strategic research for 2011-2016 followed extensive consultation with policy makers, academics, industry representatives and the Main Research Providers. Three principles guided the development of the research portfolio:
1. The requirement for scientific evidence to meet rural, environment and related policy needs in the longer term
2. The need to provide a responsive multidisciplinary scientific evidence base that is co-ordinated, collaborative and will address complex problems.
3. The need to address priorities identified by Government and other stakeholders.
Priorities identified by the Scottish Government and other stakeholders
Science for Scotland (2008) set out the Scottish Government's aim to provide an integrated agenda in rural, environmental and marine science, and the Coordinated Agenda for Marine, Environment and Rural Affairs Science (CAMERAS) was formed in 2009. The priorities identified for CAMERAS were:
- Local Responses to Global Change
- Optimising the Potential of Scotland's Natural Assets
- Support for Nationally Important Capability and Resource.
Priorities identified in Science for Scotland and Innovation for Scotland (2009) included:
- Enhancing collaboration between public bodies receiving funds for research, knowledge exchange and innovation.
- Enhancing links with the UK Government and Research Councils.
- A focus on key sectors with high growth potential and capacity to boost productivity.
- Taking advantage of emerging science-based market opportunities.
The new research portfolio responds to these priorities while building on previous research and the existing strengths in the Main Research Providers.