REF 2014 showed that Art and Design research has been very effectively converted into social and economic impact that has had a transformational effect across the UK and internationally.
The variety of impact case studies was the most marked feature of the submission as a whole. Several areas of strength were evident:
- Exhibition activity was a noticeable strength – curatorship, authorship leading to an exhibition, exhibition design, artistic intervention in museum space and exhibitions of the research of individual researchers.
- A considerable amount of activity related to the creation and support of SMEs – often facilitated through the formation of dedicated units within HEIs.
- The design and development of products of various types that demonstrated economic and social impact and other related benefits.
Case studies that were less effective, failed to persuade the panel that the impact was significantly external to the sector. The small number that were marked as ‘unclassified’
UCA REF 2021 