Summary
Digital Catapult is a part government funded not for profit, that is responsible for accelerating the early adoption of advanced digital technologies (AI, Immersive Technologies, 5G, Blockchain, Virtual & Augmented Reality) in the UK.
This Lead for Market Research will be primarily responsible for and lead on Market Research, ecosystem insights and report production for Digital Catapult, undertaking a range of activities including (1) Leading on setting out the processes and tools for market research for the organisaton (2) Providing oversight and working with the Policy, Research, Economics and Engagement team on report production for commercial, CR&D and internal reports - including stakeholder management, scoping reports and setting the tone, direction and structure to meet internal and external stakeholder needs. This will include the managing and writing of reports (long and short form) for effective delivery of projects; (3) Support in the preparation of insight documents including summaries, briefings and where suitable policy proposals, where relevant to Digital Catapult. (4) Strategic Engagement with relevant policy makers in departments in Government and network building with strategic partners with a particular focus on telecommunications innovation. Your role will span project delivery, market research and innovation policy engagement activities.
What You’ll Do
- Market Research - Responsible for the editing, researching, scoping, writing and coordination of market research reports for Digital Catapult in technology areas such as AI, Immersive Technologies, 5G, Virtual & Augmented Reality, Blockchain and the internet of things. This will be particularly focused on Open RAN and other areas relevant to 5G and digital infrastructure, but may also include exploration of sustainability and climate change challenges, responsible technology adoption, industrial net zero and the creative industries. This includes engagement, identifying and mapping of barriers and opportunities for emerging technology companies and innovators for specific projects and programmes. The role will also take a leading role in our Content & Editorial board to review report requests - working with the Director for Policy, Research & Strategic Engagement
- Preparation of market insight documents - Preparation of market insight documents that include briefings and summaries for internal and external stakeholders (e.g. for internal strategic planning, ministerial speeches, for government strategy documents, relevant evidence sessions from select committees in the House of Commons and House of Lords etc.). Also feeding into project and programme design that may form into policy proposals to internal and external stakeholders
- Engagement with relevant stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem - working with other PREE leads building a network and engaging with various stakeholders across the technology and innovation ecosystem in the UK and internationally. This may also include policymakers in departments such as DCMS, BEIS, DEFRA, FCDO & DIT and key organisations such as Ofcom, CBI, Royal Academy for Engineering, techUK and others). This spans areas including but not limited to the Office for AI, Emerging Technologies and 5G Testbeds and Trials with the goal of understanding how government policy, national innovation activities and strategic industry papers are being developed - along with supporting to secure non-commercial partners for programmes and projects.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in leading market research activities for technology innovation (spanning commercial, collaborative R and D, and internal strategic reports) for multiple audiences, including for industry, policymakers, startups and scaleups
- Knowledge and interest in current emerging technology trends, with an understanding around the key organisations, stakeholders and public and private sector institutions that shape our technology areas (e.g. 5G, IoT, AI/ML, VR/AR, Blockchain etc.) and sectors (e.g. manufacturing, supply chain, creative industries etc.)
- Excellent written and verbal communication and analytical skills including the ability to translate complex material into clear and concise internal and external documents
- Strong team working and collaborative skills
- Experience in managing staff and coordinating market research and report production in a matrix managed environment
- Self-motivated and entrepreneurial with the ability to work flexibly, identify opportunities, suggest interventions and use your own initiative when necessary
- Able to work in a busy environment and capable of managing and developing multiple tasks and objectives, often to tight timescales
- Strong IT and online media / document design skills are desirable with the ability to put concepts and structure on a page or into slides - not to the level of a Designer
- Strong data analysis skills - including understanding around quantitative data collection through primary research such as surveys - or index data.
