IRC Flexible Fund GtR+ Secondary Data Analysis

The IRC is now inviting proposals for projects that leverage the GtR+ dataset, potentially linked with other datasets, to address key questions about the UK innovation system. The aim is to generate actionable insights for innovation strategy, policy and support, helping to maximise benefits of the UK’s economy, society and environment. Applicants are encouraged to make full and creative use of the dataset to explore both the economic and non-economic outcomes of UKRI-funded innovation.

The funding call is open for submissions from 1 September to 22 October 2025.

Funding available

The GtR+ Secondary Analysis Funding Call has up to £50,000 available (100% fEC). Projects can seek up to a maximum of £10,000 (100% fEC). The IRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost.

We expect to fund a minimum of five projects.

The maximum duration of any project is 6 months.

Project proposal themes

Applicants are welcome to submit proposals outside of the themes outlined below if they demonstrate novel thinking. Such proposals should provide clear evidence of how the project will be of value to Innovate UK and DSIT.

Theme 1: Collaboration and Innovation Dynamics

• Uncover and understand patterns, enablers and barriers in public-private and academic-industry collaboration.
• Investigate the lifecycle of R&I projects and the role of collaboration and engagement with external partners.
• Explore the role of researchers transitioning into industry and their subsequent impact on R&I.

Theme 2: Regional and Local Impact

• Assess how UKRI funding affects regional economies and innovation ecosystems.
• Examine the interplay between UKRI funding and other public investments (e.g. transport, housing).
• Evaluate the role of local government partnerships in amplifying research impact.

Theme 3: R&I Directionality and Sectoral Growth

• Determine whether UKRI funding steers firms or regions toward specific domains or technologies.
• Explore sectoral specialisation and innovation trajectories resulting from public investment.

Theme 4: Non-Economic and Societal Impacts

Investigate the broader societal benefits of UKRI funding for innovation, including:

• Environmental sustainability and climate resilience
• Public health outcome
• Inclusiveness and equality (e.g. gender, regional, socio-economic)
• Talent development and skills formation
• National security and resilience

Timescales

• Call opens – 1 September 2025
• Call closes and deadline for applications – 12:00pm 22 October 2025
• Review Panel – Mid November 2025
• Project start – 1 January 2025

Eligibility 

This competition will be carried out in accordance with UKRI Eligibility requirements; ESRC funding rules and Principles of full economic costing.

The Principal Investigator must be a member of the IRC Network.

Full eligibility requirements are provided in the guidance document which is available via the download section of this page.

Grant conditions

Successful applicants will receive a Grant Award Letter which includes the terms and conditions for this call set out in the IRC Disbursement Agreement. Applicants should make sure that these terms are acceptable to their organisation before applying for funding.

The IRC will only make successful awards to those applicants that indicate their acceptance at the date of application of the template Disbursement Agreement. Additionally, any applicant considers the template Disbursement Agreement to be binding & in circumstances where the applicant cannot agree to the terms of the Disbursement Agreement that no bid for a research award should be made.

A copy of these terms and conditions are available via the download section of this page.

Submissions

Deadline for applications: 12pm 22 October 2025
To apply, please complete the application form available via the download section of this page, attach short CVs (maximum 2 pages) for all members of the research team, and submit to info@ircaucus.ac.uk.

Have you got any questions?

We are running an information webinar on Wednesday 3 September at 1pm-2pm, where you can hear more about the funding call and we’ll happily answer any questions you have too. Sign up is essential, so please book your place here.

The webinar will be recorded and sent to everyone who signs up (regardless of whether you can attend it ‘live’).

You can also reach out to us on info@ircaucus.ac.uk with any questions.