SERIO
The Socio-economic Research and Intelligence Observatory (SERIO) specialises in applied research, working with public, private and third sector organisations across Plymouth, the South West and nationally, providing socio-economic research, analysis and intelligence to inform policy and decision making.
Launched in October 2007, and based within the Research and Innnovation Directorate, SERIO offers a range of bespoke services to clients, and has a reputation built on excellence in objective and independent research and analytical methods that are of real value to our clients.
What are the benefits to me/my organisation?
SERIO provide a broad range of research services to businesses and public / voluntary sector organisations. From market research and feasibility studies, including economic impact assessment, through bid writing to programme and project evaluation SERIO works at a wide range of levels, offering the benefits of its multidisciplinary and business focused team to its clients.
One of the unique elements of the SERIO offer is our ability to draw on academic experts from across the University to add value to our work. At the same time we work hard to ensure that our work is accessible and client focused, meeting often precise needs. Our work has been described by one client as "independent, objective and thoroughly researched with a helpful no nonsense style".
Examples of recent commissions include:
- Socio-economic impact assessments of the Summer Festival and Blue Mile events in Plymouth which demonstrated their value to the City and identified actions to increase it in future years.
- Market research on behalf of a local media production company to support the development of marketing material for a new product.
- An evaluation of the success of a project aimed at increasing the use of apprenticeships in the voluntary sector. The three-year evaluation identified key and practical learning points for the future delivery of work-based learning in the sector.
- Research to assess the skills needs and constraints faced by businesses in key sectors across the region to identify local strategic skills priorities and encourage demand and investment in related provision. This evidence base also
provides a strong position from which to influence public spending in the South West. - A study for the NHS which provided the platform for an on-going programme of work aiming to increase routine ultrasound screening standards in the UK. The evidence base we developed via a literature survey on the detection and frequencies of fetal anomalies has enabled the prioritisation of further research in this area.
- Our membership and service provision survey conducted for a national private sector dairy co-operative provides annual data and information to support service development. Our work has enabled the co-operative to 'focus resources in the best way to benefit both the company and our members' (Technical Manager).
- Through our Service Level Agreement with the Plymouth Local Strategic Partnership we provide neighbourhood level data information and analysis. A Neighbourhood Renewal Index of Deprivation has also been produced.
How does it work?
SERIO provides a research team tailored to the client, drawing from our core interdisciplinary team and from across the University or the University's partner organisations and networks. The first stage is to contact us with your research or analytical requirements.
How much will it cost?
There are costs associated with our services which are dependent on the resources required to deliver project outcomes. Please contact SERIO directly for an initial discussion.
Depending on the nature and scale of your research requirements it may be possible for SERIO to broker a collaborative arrangement with another partner who has similar research needs; or to seek alternative funding packages on your behalf.
Am I eligible?
There are no eligibility criteria to access our services.
How do I find out more?
For further information visit http://www.serio.ac.uk/
Contact a member of the Plymouth University Enterprise Solutions team.
