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A selection of case studies highlighting ESRC research impact in various areas of society.
An overview of our impacts can be found in the annual Research Performance and Economic Impact report.
Research on the limitations of human vision has been influential in lowering speed limits to 20mph in residential areas, saving an estimated 38 lives and preventing over 450 serious injuries each year, and stimulating car technology innovation.
The Competitiveness Index model has been used by policymakers across the world, and cited by 80 authorities in the UK alone. The 2016 UK Competitiveness Index benchmarks the competitiveness of the UK’s localities, including cities and Local Enterprise Partnership areas.
Research into ethically produced jewellery has opened a new market in jewellery retail, led to a £200,000 increase in annual turnover, and improved working conditions and the environmental impact of gold mining.
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership helped car retailer Benfield Motor Group to implement 'lean' techniques for their aftersales service – increasing annual sales turnover by £720,000.
A groundbreaking training pack involved more than 200 street children as researchers, supporting their input into a UN consultation and participation in the 2016 Street Child Games.
Using a city's street network to reveal underlying information, the Spatial Design Network Analysis software is used worldwide to plan cities that are healthier, safer and more sustainable.
Research on security and surveillance uncovered the scale of trade in arms and control technologies, and exposed the global eavesdropping Echelon System – changing international regulation and policies.
Collaboration with local health services in Kenya led to the development of a mobile app supporting child development assessments, and the training of 100 community health workers – embedding mobile-based practices, improving local healthcare and reducing poverty.
Recommendations from ESRC researchers boosted regeneration in Enfield Borough, with strategic business partnerships leading to large investments and several hundred jobs.
Groundbreaking research on deliberate firesetting has resulted in the first effective treatment programme for offenders, which is being adopted by Australia, North America and Europe.
