Digital impact on research

This report was compiled to further assess objective 1.0 of Progression Plan Project 11 (Developing our Digital Capability) focusing on the scoping of existing definitions for the use of digital within various aspects of research delivery and management. This activity  included engagement with various bodies to discuss and debate what digital means in this environment, including seeking and aligning with the views of the NIHR Data, Digital & Technology (DDaT) office with respect to the national steer on this issue.

The outcome of this exercise has led to a resource explaining the agreed statements in the context of examples of practice experienced with research delivery in the West Midlands as defined below:

• identifying potential participants;

• reaching and recruiting potential participants; 

• research delivery; 

• research management

Throughout the stakeholder engagement detailed within this report, two main themes emerged from discussions with regards to the use of a definition of digital and also the agreed aspects that digital supports with the work of the CRN (now RRDN) in the West Midlands.

The NIHR DDaT office is strong in its view that set definitions are in fact restrictive to digital development if they contribute to setting parameters in a field which is perceived as having no boundaries. There is also the view that digital means so many different things to different people depending on their interests plus the requirements of their specific job roles, that a single definition which applies to all would be a difficult task to compile successfully.

With this in mind, the suggested approach of this report was to focus on a digital statement focusing on the impact of digital rather than defining what digital is. It was agreed that this statement would focus on how digital supports effective stakeholder connectivity, alongside driving efficient processes within research management and delivery. The statement would be supported by examples within the 4 categories listed above.

This approach was discussed and agreed with CRN (now RRDN) WM leadership within the  Project 11 working group, allowing a process for the development of resources to begin in late 2023.