Innovative mechanisms to encourage the early integration of social science in the development on novel technologies.

In recent years, we have seen many countries talking about industrial strategies and missions. Most developed nations recognise the role of the innovation, development and adoption of advanced technologies in developing a strong economy. At the same time, there is appreciation that we need to encourage interdisciplinary research in support of these ambitions. In 2017, the UK Industrial Strategy White Paper (BEIS, 2017), set out a future vision that would support a transformed economy, raise productivity and ensure high levels of employment. Central to this was significant investment in research and innovation spending around ‘Grand Challenges’ that ‘put the United Kingdom at the forefront of the industries of the future’ (BEIS, 2017).