Mapping shows R and E trends

Data from SPEaR's mapping project is revealing the underlying patterns in the social R and E effort.
 
SPEaR has been mapping government-funded social policy R and E for three years now. It shows that SPEaR's member agencies employ 300 to 500 full-time equivalent research and evaluation staff, depending on who and what is counted. Further, these agencies contract around $30 million of social R and E.

SPEaRs Principal Analyst, Raewyn Good, says the data show where the focus of the research effort lies. The information also assists in identifying gaps within the government sector and provides a base for comparing activity across the wider social R and E sector.

For example, the data shows that the majority of the social agency R and E focus, in terms of population groups, is on children and young people. While there are sound operational reasons for this, we can also tell that there is very little activity about older people and inter-generational aspects. The data then enable us to consider whether there needs to be new work undertaken, in view of our ageing population, Raewyn says.

She says the mapping information makes a significant contribution to the knowledge base SPEaR utilises as part of its function to oversee the government investment in social policy R and E.

The Key Knowledge Themes and Key Knowledge Questions form an important part of the mapping framework. In terms of the themes, the most dominant area for activity is Enhancing Social Outcomes, followed by Human Capability, in which the number of projects increased significantly in 2003/04. The data reveal little activity on the theme of Social and Cultural Identities, but this theme has some coverage in other parts of the R and E sector.

In terms of the key questions, Analysing what works to change variation in social outcomes, including the design, delivery and impact of policy continues to dominate, with activity increasing in each of the past three years.

Despite a small increase in 2003/04, R and E activity related to future-focused research remains low, and Raewyn notes the same pattern in other parts of the R and E sector.

She says a trend to longer projects and coordinated programmes is beginning to emerge, which is a likely reflection of policy directions arising from the Review of the Centre (State Services Commission) and Managing for Outcomes (SSC, Treasury) and the work of SPEaR.

For more information, contact raewyn.good002@msd.govt.nz