Coordinated Research Programs: Tackling Complex Problems

Beyond Research

In this episode, we discuss research funding organizations that are challenging the traditional status-quo to fill gaps in the system and support work that is uncertain, but if true, will lead to significant shifts and tackle big societal problems.

Research Nova Scotia and Speculative Technologies lead two different initiatives that fit under this umbrella of “coordinated research programs.” We explore the similarities and differences between their programs, the structures of them and the key players, the risks and challenges, as well as the strengths and possibilities.

Find the transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-coordinated-research-programs-tackling-complex-problems/

In Coordinated Research Programs: Tackling Complex Problems, we cover:

01:11 – Introducing our guests and their organizations: Speculative Technologies and Research Nova Scotia

02:32 – The “middle” space both these organizations are working in

08:10 – Some of the common challenges that comes with working in a less occupied space

11:52 – Different funding models

13:15 – Convergent Research’s Focused Research Organizations inspired Focused Research Investments (FRI)

16:22 – Research Nova Scotia’s FRI pitch

18:52 – Defining the value of FRIs

22:19 – The need for ideas that need investment to know if it’s even worth pursing

23:47 – Organizational and incentive structures

32:57 – Documenting lessons learned

Thank you to our guests:

Ben Reinhardt is the Founder and CEO of Speculative Technologies.

Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia.

Ben also has a podcast! Check out Idea Machines where he has conversations with experts in different innovation systems.

The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.

If you liked this episode, check out our episodes Gaps & Opportunities in the Current Research System and Addressing the Gaps: Focused Research Investments.

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