Reimagining the Recipe for Research & Innovation - The Secret Sauce of Social Science

This report emphasizes the critical role of social sciences in enhancing the UK's research, development, and innovation (RDI) system. It argues that integrating social sciences with STEM disciplines can elevate the UK’s research output to world-leading status. The report identifies four key roles for social sciences: enabling whole-systems thinking, informing good policy development, underpinning responsible innovation, and facilitating international collaboration. It highlights case studies demonstrating the impact of social sciences on climate change policies, AI technology, and global health issues. The report concludes with recommendations for better integrating social sciences into the UK's RDI strategies. Organizations mentioned include the Academy of Social Sciences, University College London, Digital Science, and the Campaign for Social Science.