Summary and next steps
Summary
The literature review has provided evidence of the potential range of economic and social benefits that can be delivered through public sector research and innovation projects, as well as the potential magnitude of those benefits. Furthermore, it has highlighted a wide range of factors that can influence the scale of benefits that are realised.
In combination, this evidence has been used to formulate a framework that can be applied to assess the potential returns from investment in individual zero emission / decarbonisation mobility projects. This framework highlights the type of questions that should be asked about the aims, design, and context of individual projects that will influence the likely level of success. Through application of the framework, it should be feasible to estimate an indicative value for money from investment in individual projects and help prioritise between areas of investment.
Next steps
This literature review of best practice fulfils an initial, albeit important, phase of a wider process in developing an assessment methodology for research and innovation into zero emission / decarbonisation mobility projects. The following aspects have been identified as key next steps in the process:
- Social impacts. Since the focus of the literature review has been upon cross-sector research and innovation investment, the findings from the review are relatively generic in terms of the description of potential impacts. This is particularly the case in relation to the social benefits that can be derived from research and innovation projects.
It is advocated that additional case study evidence is sought from individual zero emission / decarbonisation mobility projects to improve the understanding of causal relationships from inputs and outputs from these projects leading through to wider social impacts relating to topic areas, such as health, wellbeing, social capital, and environment.
- The proposed framework, and outline methodology, remains theoretical in nature and should be subject to some initial practical testing on case study examples. This can then lead to a period of refinement and further development of the framework, and specifically the proforma, to ensure it becomes a viable practical tool that can be readily applied across all future projects.
- Once the framework and approach has been refined, consideration then needs to be given to how it can be best integrated within existing appraisal tools. Part of this will involve the dissemination of the approach to relevant stakeholders to ensure a consistent understanding of the framework, but also obtain feedback on how it aligns with other existing appraisal frameworks. Particularly consideration will need to be given to how the framework would align to Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance and its potential integration.