Draft Impact Plan

Research in environment, natural resources and agriculture funded by the Scottish Government aims to “contribute to the health, wealth and wellbeing of the nation” and includes a number of mechanisms to promote “impact” (see Box 1 for definitions). It is estimated that previous research cycles contributed £151.8 million GVA to the Scottish economy a year and supported nearly 1,500 jobs(Scottish Government, 2021). Evidence shows that proactive impact planning, early in the research cycle can increase the likelihood of impacts arising from research (Reed, 2018), and are a range of tools are available. This report proposes a draft impact plan for D5.3 (Natural Capital – Galvanising Change), based on discussion between the research team and key stakeholders within Scottish Government, and considers options for wider stakeholder engagement to further plan and co-produce impacts from the research. It is important to emphasise that impact plans must adapt to changing contexts and priorities. There are many factors beyond the control of any research project that may enhance or reduce the likelihood of impacts being achieved. As such, impact goals and activities should be seen as flexible and hoped-for rather than as firm commitments, with expectations among stakeholders managed accordingly.