The Research & Development Society
Our Goals
Understand and Articulate
How does Science & Technology enabled Innovation deliver growth
There is general acceptance that innovation is the key to growth - but virtually all the growth models draw their inspiration from Adam Smith’s postulation of the ‘invisible hand’ which has led economists and policy makers to fixate on aggregate output measures such as GVA and Productivity, without understanding growth mechanisms. The RDS is focused on providing an accurate understanding of how innovation can be commercialised, extending the NASA Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) into Commercial Readiness Levels (CRLs), and thereby delivering sustainable economic growth.
A Data Driven Framework
Linking Macro-economic levers to Meso-economic drivers
The RDS has developed a new macro-meso framework underpinned by a multi-polar meso-economic model based on the 12 key drivers of growth, not just the orthodoxy based on the bi-polar view which emphasizes technology innovation and investment. The RDS is using this to critique existing approaches to industrial strategy and to synthesize a more robust data-driven approach, where it is possible to accurately describe, inputs, outputs, the ‘transform’ function, and overall growth impact.
Educate and Influence
Shape how Growth is delivered by integrating the Interests of Stakeholders
The RDS is engaged in actively applying this framework to growth companies, intervention agencies housing these companies, regional clusters and national agencies tasked with delivering the growth agenda. We work closely with strategic partners engaged in the ‘longitudinal’ commercialisation pathway, including research organisations, think tanks, commercial players and associated trade bodies. Through these collaborations we are gathering a longitudinal dataset by which we can chart company progress and understand the impact of interventions that seek to improve commercialisation performance.
Who’s involved in the Society
Our Board, Strategic Advisory Council & Deployment Team
Iain Simpson
Director
Iain Simpson has over 30 years of experience in technology and product development, focusing on medical devices and bioinstrumentation. He works at Phillips Medisize, and has held roles at THORN EMI and leading Cambridge technology consultancies. He lectures at Cambridge University and regularly writes for Therapeutic Delivery.
Uday Phadke
Director
Dr. Uday Phadke is a leading figure in science, technology, and innovation. As co-founder and CEO of Triple Chasm, he focuses on translating science and tech-driven innovation into commercial success. For over three decades, Dr. Phadke has been crucial in bridging the gap between research and commercial application.
Tony Hart
Director
Tony Hart, an Oxford graduate with an MBA, held roles in ICT firms like Digital Equipment and Cisco, focusing on business development. Since 2005, he has consulted for tech firms in diverse sectors, led UK India business collaborations, launched Holley Technology’s UK subsidiary, and headed Smart Oxford. He now mentors early-stage tech companies.
David Hughes
Strategic Advisor
David, a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, advises on innovation strategy and holds an MSc and Honorary Doctorate from Loughborough. He chaired advisory boards at City and Nottingham Universities and led the creation of Innovate UK. Previously, he held executive roles at Ford, Lucas, GEC-Marconi, and BAE Systems.
Richard Sykes
Strategic Advisor
Sir Richard Sykes is a distinguished British entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. He served as CEO and Chairman of GlaxoWellcome and GlaxoSmithKline, was Chairman of NHS London, and Rector of Imperial College London.
Jamie Urquhart
Strategic Advisor
Jamie Urquhart, co-founder of Arm Holdings plc, began as an electronic engineer and became Sales Manager at Arm's inception. He advanced to Sales Director/VP Sales, COO, and Chief Strategy Officer before retiring in 2002. After Arm's IPO in 1985 (NASDAQ and LSE), he pursued angel investing and became a Venture Partner at Pond Venture Partners. Today, he supports startups and startup programs.
Pierre Socha
Strategic Advisor
Pierre, a Partner at Amadeus since 2012, focuses on Health and Bio sectors. He leads investments in companies like ConstructiveBio, OriBiotech, and PhoreMost. Previously, Pierre was an analyst at Natexis, then CEO and CSO at Avesthagen in India. He holds a MSc from Aix-Marseille University and executive degrees from Stanford, MIT, and Harvard.
Richard Parker
Strategic Advisor
Ric Parker, former Rolls-Royce Director of Research & Technology, is now a Special Advisor in technology strategy and transfer. He advises A*STAR, Boom Supersonic, and chairs multiple Singapore research programs. A CBE recipient, he holds numerous fellowships, honorary doctorates, and professorships in engineering and physics.
Claire Ruskin
Strategic Advisor
Claire Ruskin, Director at Cambridge Network Ltd, brings a wealth of expertise from her background in complex design and technology leadership at Cambridge Consultants and PA Technology and her roles in assisting start-ups become scale-ups and multi-nationals. She has been a leading figure in the Cambridge Ecosystem, assisting collaboration between government, academia and industry within the region especially through her role on the Greater Cambridge Partnership board.
Hiring in 2025
Head of Partnership Liaison
In the coming year, The Research & Development Society will be on the look out for new talent to join our team.
Jamie Phadke
Chief Operating Officer
Jamie leads the RDS deployment team. With a Masters in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford, he has collaborated with the European Space Agency on automated image analysis and worked on the latest sporting technology at Hawk-Eye Innovations.
Hiring in 2025
Head of Network Management
In the coming year, The Research & Development Society will be on the look out for new talent to join our team.
Connect with us
If you have queries about the Society please contact us by email
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