University of Glasgow Impact Acceleration Account: building researcher capability for knowledge exchange and impact through responsible innovation
Advisory & project delivery
Developed a responsible innovation resource toolkit for the University of Glasgow's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Impact Acceleration Account, helping researchers build the capability to translate research into knowledge exchange activities, innovation opportunities, and real-world impact.
The Challenge
The University of Glasgow's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) sought to increase participation in knowledge exchange and impact activities, particularly among early-career researchers. The programme aimed to support researchers in moving EPSRC-funded research towards innovation, partnership development, enterprise activity, and wider societal impact.
At the time, responsible innovation was still a relatively new concept for many STEM researchers. While training was already available, the IAA team identified a need for accessible, self-directed resources that would help researchers understand how responsible innovation principles could be applied to strengthen impact planning, knowledge exchange activities, and innovation pathways.
The Approach
Developed a suite of practical responsible innovation resources designed to support researchers at different stages of their knowledge exchange and impact journey. The resources were intended to complement existing resources and provide researchers with flexible, on-demand support.
Resource Highlights
Short informational video introducing responsible innovation principles.
Downloadable workbook supporting self-directed learning and reflection.
Institution-specific case studies demonstrating successful impact and knowledge exchange pathways.
Practical guidance on applying responsible innovation principles when moving research into innovation and impact activities.
Resources aligned with EPSRC expectations and the strategic objectives of the IAA programme.
The approach focused not only on increasing awareness of responsible innovation, but also on developing researchers' capability to make informed decisions about partnership development, impact generation, knowledge exchange, and the responsible translation of research into practice.
The Outcome
The resource package strengthened researchers' understanding of how responsible innovation can support knowledge exchange, research impact, and innovation activities.
The approach was subsequently adopted across the University as part of its wider support for responsible innovation and was recognised by EPSRC as an example of good practice in impact acceleration.
Key highlights:
Enhanced researcher capability to consider impact pathways alongside research development.
Strengthened researchers' capability to integrate responsible innovation considerations into impact planning and knowledge exchange activities.
Delivered flexible, self-directed support that researchers could access on demand, enabling engagement alongside competing research and academic commitments.
Supported the University's wider strategy to accelerate the translation of research into innovation and societal impact.
University's work recognised by EPSRC as an example of good practice in impact acceleration.