SPRU has over 40 years' experience in the analysis of science, technology and innovation. Our research starts from real world problems, engages in rigorous interdisciplinary research and policy advice, and makes theoretical contributions in the social sciences.
Our focus currently includes innovation management in firms, technological competition in industries, societal impacts of technologies and their regulation, and the positive contributions of innovation to solving societal and economic policy problems.
Our researchers investigate innovation in energy technologies and other remedies for climate change, informatics, healthcare, agriculture and food, weapons of mass destruction, and paths to sustainability in developed and developing countries. They come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds in the social and natural sciences and engineering, and employ insights from several disciplines including economics, sociology of technology, innovation studies, political science, strategic management, and business studies. This interdisciplinary combination makes SPRU unique in the world. We are also unique in working on economic competitiveness and wealth creation, as well as societal problems and good governance.
Combined with an international research culture founded on collegiality and mutual support, these characteristics make SPRU a vibrant, world-leading and socially relevant research centre.