| Research, Knowledge & Best Practice |
There is currently a wide range of resources from which to acquire knowledge and information such as market intelligence, research and technology transfer. However, possible barriers that businesses face in reaching their potential to innovate are a lack of awareness, or access to the latest technological knowledge and breakthroughs.
This function of access is one which, for example, the Rural Enterprise Gateway’s ‘Knowledge Network’ carries out, searching multiple data sources for relevant business information.
Furthermore, the routes for delivery of knowledge transfer are becoming more apparent, such as access to the region’s universities and colleges and more specialist organisations, such as the Peninsula Partnership for the Rural Environment (PPRE) and the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI).
Knowledge transfer is a two-way process, leading to benefits for those who provide information and from that which others share with them. Knowledge transfer networks can establish connections between businesses, research establishments, higher education and other organisations, helping to innovate and improve overall business performance. A conclusion of the Research Priorities Report (see below) is that the Knowledge Transfer can only be effective if knowledge is freely available. Knowledge which has a commercial value is unlikely to be freely shared.
In order to help businesses grow and adapt to change, a clear and well-grounded understanding of how people change their businesses and skills in the rural context is required. Knowledge is required at both ends of the spectrum, whether for a new entrant or where the change may involve semi or full retirement.
| Countryside and Community Research Institute |
The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), a unique partnership between the University of the West of England, Hartpury College and the Countryside and Community Research Unit at the University of Gloucestershire, is the largest specialist rural research centre in the UK. It has expertise in all aspects of research in policy and planning for the countryside and the environment of the UK, Europe and further afield.
It aims to have a clear client-led focus in the conduct of applied research, postgraduate education, continuing professional training, knowledge exchange and consultancy.
| Peninsula Partnership for the Rural Environment |
PPRE brings together, in a powerful collaboration, 4 institutions with a combined heritage of over 150 years of service to the land-based industries. Their expertise covers strategic and applied research, teaching, consultancy, training and knowledge transfer.
PPRE combines the strengths of IGER North Wyke, University of Plymouth, The Centre for Rural Policy Research at Exeter University and Duchy College in order to better serve land based industry, the region and the UK to:-
- Improve economic and environmental performance.Support the importance of the landbased sector regionally, nationally and internationally and position it at the heart of a knowledge driven economy.Ensure that PPRE helps the South West of England retain strategically important capacity in land based research, skills and knowledge transfer. Provide excellent value to stakeholders and the industry through:-
- Economies of scale.Reduced duplication.Improved quality.
- Attraction of inward investment through R&D success.
View more information on the PPRE Peninsula Partnership for the Rural Environment
| Rural Research Priorities Board |
The South West Rural Research Priorities Board was set up in February 2004 with the aim of identifying how to improve co-ordination and integration of the funding and delivery of relevant publicly-funded research, addressing the identified strategic priorities in the South West. Its aim was to develop a common agenda amongst the region's rural research institutions and by working with other initiatives in the Sustainable Farming and Food Delivery Plan, seeks to improve the relevance of research and its dissemination across the South West.
The Board considered that the research base for the region should be developed holistically and interactively and to this end it commissioned a consortium of South West Universities, including Bournemouth, Exeter, Gloucestershire and Plymouth Universities and the institue of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) to produce the research report, which is entitled - "Rural Research in the South West of England" and was published at the end of June 2006. The report identified that research which has direct economic value (near market research) to businesses is lacking; however, there is an abundance of publicly-funded academic input.
- View the Executive Summary
- View the Final Report on research achievements, provision and priorities
The Board last met in October 2006, since which time the CCRI and PPRE have both been established as routes for delivery of knowledge transfer across the region. Should the Board reconvene it is likely to be on an adhoc medium-term basis to reasses the region's research priorities.
Last Updated 31Apr08