Role of Champions (IRCP0021)

April 1, 2026

Useful links

Download: Insights from the Literature Download: Champions: Transforming projects to work programmes and missions Download: The Role of Champions in Driving Innovation

Share via

Project overview

While the UK’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) funding mechanisms have historically provided substantial support for individual projects, there has been an implicit assumption that the outcomes of these projects would automatically contribute to broader mission goals and when relevant progress towards commercialisation. However, a critical examination reveals the absence of a coordinated, strategic “middle layer” within the RDI ecosystem. This missing layer is crucial for actively connecting and integrating outputs across various RDI projects to effectively achieve overarching mission objectives.

This identified “missing middle layer” extends beyond a mere organisational or structural gap; it represents a systemic cultural and relational deficit within the UK RDI ecosystem. The prevailing inclination towards achieving project-level success has inadvertently overshadowed the imperative for cross-project synergy and mission-level integration.

The Innovation and Research Caucus was commissioned by UKRI/ESRC to gather robust evidence on existing Champion and Ambassador leadership roles within some key strategic transdisciplinary programmes, with the aim of deepening our understanding of their contribution to the coordination of the UK’s RDI ecosystem.

Our report found out that champions make a huge contribution in transforming projects to work programmes and missions by fulfilling the missing middle layer. They are essential for integrating project outputs, scaling innovations and translating fragmented efforts into cohesive, mission-driven outcomes. If we could formally introduce this role across UKRI programmes, they are capable of fulfilling the currently missing middle layer in our RDI ecosystem.

A number of papers and reports have been produced and can be accessed via the buttons on the right

Project Team: read more about their work and experience via the links below:

Associated outcomes

Insights from the Literature

This report was produced as the outcome of Phase 1 of the project and offers a concise synthesis of the positioning of the concept of ‘champions’ within the broader related literature.

The report outlines the literature on:

• Definition of Champions
• Activities conducted by Champions
• Output generated by Champions
• Factors driving the conversion of activities to output

The report served as the foundation for data collection and analysis in Phase 2 of the project. You can access the report here

Blog post: The Role of Champions in Driving Innovation

The following blog was written by Dr Omar Abou Hamdan, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management & Leadership at Oxford Brookes University, following a workshop where he was able to present some of the Champions research

Last week, I had the pleasure of sharing our research on Champions and their critical role in fostering innovation at the final workshop of the Technology in Professional Services (TiPS) Accelerator series. Hosted by Armstrong Watson team in Carlisle, UK, and organised by Francisco Javier Trincado Munoz and Hannah Isabelle Tornow, the event brought together experts and practitioners to discuss technology adoption in professional services.

Our research, conducted in collaboration with Professor Tim Vorley and Professor Muthu De Silva, explores how Champions act as key agents of change within organisations, driving the adoption and integration of new technologies. These individuals are not necessarily senior leaders but are influential within their networks, leveraging their credibility, expertise, and enthusiasm to promote innovation. Through their proactive engagement, Champions help overcome resistance, create momentum, and facilitate the alignment of new initiatives with organisational goals.

This work has been supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through the Innovation and Research Caucus (IRC) and commissioned by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Our findings shed light on the conditions that enable Champions to thrive, such as the presence of a supportive organisational culture, clear incentives, and access to resources. By understanding these dynamics, firms can better harness the potential of Champions to accelerate technological transformation and long-term innovation. More information about our project can be found here.

Throughout the workshop, we engaged in insightful discussions on the enablers and challenges of technology adoption. Professor Tim Vorley emphasised the importance of enhancing willingness, capability, and capacity within firms, while Stuart Bailey provided valuable perspectives on the interplay of leadership, culture, and change in implementing new technologies.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this project a success!

Transition from Projects to Missions: a webinar

In order to launch this report, Innovation and Research Caucus co-created a webinar in June2025, entitled ‘Transition from Projects to Missions’ with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

During the webinar we shared valuable insights from the report  Champions: Transforming projects to work programmes and missions” and had a very productive panel discussion to help clarify understanding of the project, specifically what learned from the champions model and demonstrate the role and value of champions associated with current and future UKRI funding programmes.