Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research: Strategy 2027 to 2032

4.0 Maximising Impact

A new impact framework (Annex C: ENRA Research Programme Impact Framework) will set out how the impact of the investment made in the research programme will be maximised.

Impact in the context of the ENRA Research Programme 2027-2032 refers to the positive changes or benefits that extend beyond academia. This includes improvements to the economy, society, culture, public policies, businesses, services, health, the environment, and overall quality of life. Another specific focus will be to strengthen links, thereby increasing impact, with other research programmes within Scottish Government and agencies such as SEPA and NatureScot.

The impact framework will include clear, measurable indicators for each Mission, including social, economic, environmental, and public health outcomes. It will also recognise the importance of long-term monitoring, adaptive feedback, and the inclusion of community-defined metrics.

The impact framework will promote a more outcome-focused approach. A summary of the proposed new requirements within the impact framework are as follows:

• Commissioning: impact will form a key part of the commissioning phase of the Research Programme. Impact pathways will be required to highlight how project outputs and outcomes will deliver on the programme’s Missions, linking to key Scottish Government priorities.
• Co-Development: research delivers impact only when it is shaped by those who will use it. Projects commissioned through the ENRA Research Programme will therefore be co-designed from the outset with research users, including policy teams, agencies, commercial partners, land managers, wider stakeholder and community groups, ensuring that insights, innovations and solutions are grounded in real-world needs ready for adoption.
• Evaluation and Monitoring: new reporting requirements will include enhanced annual project Impact Narratives, annual Mission impact summaries and annual Mission case studies. Feedback on impact will be provided by CSA ENRA and the ENRA Scientific Advisory Board.
• Mission Impact Officers and Project Impact Champions will support and champion a culture of impact across the programme working closely with RESAS and the Office of the CSA ENRA.
• Communicating Impact: promote the Impact of the Research Programme by highlighting case studies and an impact prize will be awarded at the annual ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy Conference.