DESCRIPTION

The Futures team remit is to:

• analyse a range of internal and external data/evidence to inform new areas of future activity for Innovate UK, Innovate UK Business Connect and related organisations
• make the case for policy and funding interventions in nascent, but high potential markets and to drive a positive policy environment for innovation
• publish actionable insights for business, building Innovate UK Connect’s reputation as an organisation that understands business innovation theory and practice

As a policy analyst, you’ll use your knowledge of the UK innovation policy landscape and your ability to think critically and creatively to engage in research and develop effective policy recommendations and influencing strategies for Innovate UK Business Connect to build its reputation with policy makers.
The Futures team produces evidence and insight to support new potential areas of Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect activity, as well as making the case to develop new interventions where connecting innovators for positive change will generate positive economic, societal and environmental impact.
As part of this you’ll contribute in some organisation wide research projects working with internal colleagues across sector teams as well as projects within the Futures team with the aim of developing credible research to influence stakeholders internally and externally. You will also work closely with other colleagues in our Reach and Engagement team to effectively communicate our research.
You will be passionate about the role that innovation can play in driving positive change and dedicated towards using an evidence-based approach to drive a positive policy environment for innovation.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

• Qualified to degree level, or Level 6 equivalent in a relevant subject
• A strong general understanding of the UK political and policy environment, especially around innovation and industrial strategy
• Experience of scoping and drafting policy research that has resulted in positive change (ideally around R&D, Innovation policy)
• Experience of complex research and evaluation including interpreting quantitative and qualitative data to take an evidence approach towards policy making
• Experience of working with a diverse range of clients/stakeholders to define policy outcomes
• Experience and aptitude in business and public-sector stakeholder engagement at all levels, with a good professional profile and network

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Experience of commissioning policy research and working with external consultants

SKILLS

• A highly motivated, self-starting and results oriented individual with a strong desire to deliver economic, societal, and environmental impacts through innovation
• A good communicator with well-developed written and verbal skills, able to translate complex topics for broad audiences, including both business and policymakers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organisation, prioritisation, and project management skills
• Able to interact with and understand the needs and capabilities with stakeholders across a range of technical and/or industrial disciplines
• Disciplined, reliable and adaptable with time management ability to deliver autonomously within an effective team in a fast-paced environment
• Highly numerate and analytical, with the ability to think strategically
• Good team player with a strong ability to contribute positively to a team environment
• Diplomatic sensitivity

• Analyse the policy and political landscape in the UK to identify specific issues and levers for change.
• Identify actions based on insights and knowledge from Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect sector and programme teams.
• Produce detailed and consistently high-quality research data analysis and policy recommendations supported by a credible, evidence-based case for change.
• Scope and draft Innovate UK Business Connect responses to innovation and business policy consultations.
• Identify new areas for Innovate UK Business Connect activity by analysing policy
• Work closely with Innovate UK Business Connect Executive team to provide data, intelligence and recommendations on important emerging areas of innovation.