PSI current research
Sustainable Development Research Phase II
Project Leader: Jim Skea
Sponsor: DETR/Sustainable Development Unit
Period: November 2000-March 2003
Background
The purpose of this project is "to contribute to the strengthening
of the capacity for and delivery of high-quality cross cutting research in the
UK which is relevant to the needs of those who must implement policies and decisions
in the context of sustainable development". The aims are:
- to map and monitor current patterns of sustainable development research;
- to foster a network of organisations with an interest in sustainable development
research either as funders, executors or beneficiaries;
- to facilitate the flow of information about current and planned activities
in order to avoid duplication and enhance the coherence, quality and relevance
of the body of research as a whole;
- to promote sustainable development research activity by influencing funders
and research organisations;
- to encourage, where appropriate, research which would otherwise be 'uni-dimensional'
(eg environmental, economic or social only) to adopt a more integrated and
cross cutting approach to sustainable development issues;
- to identify specific gaps in knowledge and to assess research opportunities.
Project Design
This work comprises five main activities:
- Maintenance and extension of an existing Sustainable Development Research
Database developed by ECOTEC. Further work on classifying sustainable development
research is required.
- Activation of a Sustainable Development Research Network consisting of organisations
with a commitment to cross cutting research in at least two of the pillars
of sustainable development.
- Development and maintenance of a Sustainable Development Research Web-site
providing: an overview of the state-of-the-art in sustainable development
research; an overview of the goals and operational approach of the network;
access to the research database; links to network members; access to key pieces
of sustainable development research; and access to research syntheses. (See
www.sd-research.org.uk.)
- Outreach activities to the wider research community and research users
- Interaction with the DETR Sustainable Development Unit and Sustainable Development
Commission.
Importance of Research
The UK Government published its sustainable development strategy
in May 1999. This is co-ordinated by the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU)
in the Department of Transport, Environment and the Regions (DETR). There are
four parallel objectives: social progress which meets the needs of everyone;
effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources; and
the maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.
In October 2000, the Government established an independent
Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) to monitor progress in implementing
the Government's strategy. The sustainable development research network co-ordinated
by PSI will support the work of the SDU and the SDC.
The Network has been established as a Foresight Associate in
relation to the Office of Science and Technology's Foresight Programme.
Main Network Contact:
Dr Malcolm Eames, Research
Fellow, PSI, Direct line: 020 74682265.