Strategic Research Programme 2011-2016: highlights

Strategic Priorities

The research contributes to the development and delivery of rural affairs, food and environmental policy and the achievement of the Scottish Government's single purpose of 'Sustainable Economic Development' as set out in the National Performance Framework and Scotland's Economic Strategy.

Scotland's Economic Strategy focuses on the two mutually supportive goals of increasing competitiveness and tackling inequality, with four priorities in which the Scottish Government's actions can make a substantial difference: Investing, Innovation, Inclusive Growth and Internationalisation. Examples of where the SRP contributes to these four priorities are:

• Investing in research that provides Scotland with the skills and knowledge that it needs to grow in a global economy.
• Taking a leading role in developing a national strategy for rural and environmental research.
• Helping to create a more equal society by widening access to the knowledge created by our investment in research across Scotland.
• Supporting the development of international connections and collaborations that promote Scotland.

Research also supports a Greener, Smarter and Wealthier Scotland, and contributes toward the achievement of a number of national outcomes, including:

• We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.
• We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.
• We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.