Research is at the heart of SPRU. Our work has made international contributions to the understanding of change in science, technology and innovation and the implications of these changes for society, economy and environment. Our postgraduate and doctoral programmes are strongly linked to our research, as are our many engagements with businesses, governments and civil society organisations.
SPRU is a highly international community of researchers with training in many disciplines, including economics, political science, business and management, history and philosophy, natural science and engineering. Much of our research is funded by external contracts and is undertaken in dynamic, multi-disciplinary and closely-knit teams. SPRU is also host to longer-term research centres, focusing on such themes as energy and environment, information and communication technology, financial services, complex manufacturing, biotechnology, and transitions to sustainability.
Research within SPRU is diverse, but it is also distinctive. We produce evidence and develop theories for understanding innovation, not as ends in themselves but as ways to address real-world business and policy challenges. We often build new tools that are useful in framing (and helping to solve) problems that cross the usual academic divides. SPRU is a major player in an extensive network of partners and collaborators which are essential to our mission and are also unusual in representing many political and academic perspectives.
SPRU welcomes visiting researchers - please see Visiting Fellowships at SPRU for further information.