PSI current research

Keeping the Social in the Sustainable

Project Leader: Malcolm Eames

Sponsor: JRF

Period: December 2001-April 2002

Background

The Sustainable Development Research (SDR) Network is a UK wide initiative, co-ordinated by the Policy Studies Institute (PSI), and funded by the Government's Sustainable Development Unit (SDU). Its overall goal is to strengthen the delivery of high-quality cross cutting research relevant to sustainable development in the UK. Specific aims include; promoting sustainable development research activity by influencing funders and research organisations; and, identifying specific gaps in knowledge and assess research opportunities. The SDR-Network recognises that the 'social' pillar has historically been the least well-developed aspect of both SD policy-making and its underpinning research in the UK. It is seek to redress this imbalance by encouraging the integration of the environmental/economic and social policy/regeneration research agendas. The SDR-Network's first Annual Conference took place on the 4 December 2001, at the DTI conference centre in London.

Aims and Objectives: To provide for the critical review and wider dissemination of the SDR-Network's current work developing the UK research agenda for sustainable development, so as to ensure a strong 'social' component is reflected in this emerging agenda. Specifically, to evaluate the proceedings of the SDR-Network's first annual conference through a 'JRF lens'.

Project Design

Desk based synthesis and evaluation: Maria Adebowale, Director of Capacity (see Annex 3) will be commissioned to provide an independent evaluation of the SDR-Network's current work developing the UK research agenda for sustainable development, through a 'JFR lens' i.e. from a social exclusion/regeneration perspective.

• Promote the effective integration of the social, economic and environmental/resource elements in research to support sustainable development
• Promote this emerging research agenda with UK research funding bodies
• Promote dialogue between researchers, research funders, policy makers and other stakeholders concerned with environmental and social exclusion/regeneration issues
• Provide reviews of the 'state of the art' and future research prospects with respect to four particular areas of SD, that incorporate strong social policy concerns:
  • Sustainable Rural Economy
  • Economic Growth, Sustainable Development and Quality of life
  • Pollution, Social Exclusion, Equity and Health
  • Developing Tools for Sustainability Appraisal

Importance of Research

The output of this project would be a detailed report and executive summary, to be submitted to key research funders and policy makers concerned with social exclusion/regeneration and sustainable development issues. A follow up meeting will also be organised to discuss the reports recommendations with a small group of these key actors. The report will also be disseminated through the SDR-Network and Environmental Justice Network.