Transport Scotland Research Strategy 2021-24
This document sets out Transport Scotland’s (TS) Research Strategy for the years 2021-2024. In line with other Government departments the strategy is being published to encourage greater transparency around how we commission our research, and to also encourage greater collaboration with external partners involved in the delivery of transport research.
As well as giving a high level overview of our research priorities for the next three years, more detailed information is given on our research programme for the next 12 months.
The significance of the COVID-19 pandemic on transport and travel cannot be understated in setting the context for our research priorities. It has had a profound effect on how and why people travel, exacerbating existing inequalities in transport and creating additional challenges. Conversely, it has created opportunities to bring forward more sustainable transport policies and behaviours. As we emerge from the pandemic, understanding its impact on transport travel and behaviour over the short, medium and long term will be key to informing our research activity.
At the heart of this Research Strategy is Transport Scotland’s commitment to deliver the National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) vision which was published in early 2020. The NTS2 vision is underpinned by four main priorities for transport services in Scotland around reducing inequalities, taking climate action, helping deliver inclusive economic group, and improving our health and wellbeing. Research and evidence is key to the successful delivery and monitoring of NTS2 and this document sets out some the key projects which we will take forward in coming years.
One of the main priorities of NTS2 is to take climate action to ensure that Scotland can meet its 2045 target of net zero emissions. To ensure that Transport Scotland can meet this target an ambitious set of policies and projects will be required, with additional spend. To support the development and implementation of these a programme of research will be required which will include monitoring and evaluation of these programmes and their associated financial cost to ensure that they are delivering their objectives and offer value for money.
Given relative uncertainties around the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing implementation of constitutional changes following the UK’s exit from the EU, the strategy is also flexible allowing us to address any urgent or unforeseen analytical requests as required.
We value your feedback on this strategy and details on how to comment is given at the end of the document.