Working Groups

What shapes the research agenda? in agricultural biotechnology (URN 05/1078)

Since the Biotechnology Commission was established in 2000, we have often been told that one underlying factor in the genetic modification controversies that we have addressed in our past work is the way funding is allocated in agricultural research. With this report, we have examined this by asking what shapes the research agenda in agricultural biotechnology.

To answer this question, we have taken a systematic look at the drivers behind research, and the mechanisms in place for setting priorities, and have tried to identify the implications of what we have found for the research that is done.

Our conclusions and recommendations are based on a wide and varied body of evidence from five stand-alone modules, outlined below. Most of our recommendations are supported by the findings of more than one of the modules.

Information gathering and analysis
We collated a large volume of information on research funding organisations, the key overarching influences on research agendas, and a historical overview of UK research policy. This was analysed in our Information and analysis paper. (URN 05/1082)

The raw information is documented in a Background information paper – graphs, tables.

Written consultation exercise
In October 2004, we launched a written consultation on research agendas. A total of 30 responses were received.

Analysis of responses to written consultation (URN 05/1083)

Public and stakeholder engagement exercise
We commissioned Opinion Leader Research to carry out a three-stage consultation which took place between October 2004 and February 2005.

The final report of this exercise ‘A consultation with the general public and stakeholders’ is available (URN 05/1086), along with detailed reports of each of the 3 stages.

Case studies on plant breeding and soil science
These focused on specific research areas in order to identify the important influences on that field, and the implications of the drivers for the research agenda in that area.

Plant breeding case study (URN 05/1084)
Soil science case study (URN 05/1085)

Hard copies of papers are available by calling 0845 015 0010, please quote the URN.

All of the AEBC contributed to this work, though the workstream was overseen by Dr Matthew Freeman.

Meeting notes and meeting papers for the research agendas ‘core group’ are available.