Comparative and cross-cutting evaluations

Secondary analysis of data from UKTI Performance and Impact Monitoring Survey (PIMS)

The aim of the analysis is to understand trends in the reported business benefits from UKTI trade services and their determinants. This report presents the results of the statistical and econometric analysis of data over 6 years.

Secondary Analysis of 24 waves of PIMS - January 2013

An Evaluation of the Commercial Services provided by UKTI’s Overseas Network

This study looks at the scope for intensifying the commercialisation of selected services by increasing cost recovery, taking into account of differences in willingness to pay across different client groups, and the potential impact on UKTI policy objectives; and the potential scope for additional private sector involvement in delivering these services, either on behalf of UKTI, through further outsourcing, or through referring clients to alternative service providers on a fully commercial basis.

The research report provides valuable insights into the commercial reach of UKTI’s services and offers some practical policy considerations, including UKTI’s policy for pricing.

Executive Summary - An Evaluation of the Commercial Services provided by UKTI’s Overseas Network

An Evaluation of the Commercial Services provided by UKTI’s Overseas Network

UKTI has a strong commitment to robust independent research and has formally responded to the research findings and policy recommendations, as set out in the attached document.

UKTI Response to An Evaluation of the Commercial Services provided by UKTI’s Overseas Network

A Comparative Evaluation of the Impact of UK Trade & Investment’s R&D Programme and Other UKTI Support that Impacts R&D

The evaluation study used econometric techniques and evidence on both users and non-users of UKTI trade services to investigate the impact of UKTI support on business investment in Research and Development (R&D). It found evidence that trade support generates additional R&D of around £65k per firm, with key UKTI services such as the Tradeshow Access Programme, Export Marketing Research Scheme, Website business opportunities alerts, and Passport to Export scheme tending to generate the strongest R&D impact.

The research also confirmed that innovative and growing firms were most likely to show positive R&D impact and there was clear evidence of UKTI service complementarity, with the R&D impact stronger for multiple service use.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Impact of UK Trade & Investment’s R&D Programme and Other UKTI Support that Impacts R&D

UKTI R&D Programme: Assessing the Impact on UK R&D Activity

In April 2007, UKTI formerly launched an R&D programme to encourage business R&D investment to contribute to the Government's commitment to increase UK R&D investment as a proportion of GDP. To complement the quantitative evaluation study, Aston University provided a qualitative assessment of the ways in which UKTI's R&D Programme meets its objectives and influences business R&D investment.

UKTI R&D Programme: Assessing the Impact on UK R&D Activity

An independent review of the evidence base for UKTI’s support for firms in high growth markets

A study undertaken to review the rationale for supporting UK firms’ into high growth markets, incorporating an impact evaluation of UKTI’s pilot High Growth Market Programme.

UKTI’s 5-year strategy ‘Prosperity in a changing world’ emphasised the importance of building strong trade and investment links with high growth markets. It emphasises the need for the UK to take advantage of the shift in international activity towards these markets. The evaluation research consisted of two major strands. The first strand focused on clarifying the rationale for UKTI support in high growth markets. The second strand comprised an evaluation of a UKTI pilot programme – High Growth Market Programme – aiming to encourage firms to enter high growth markets.

The research triangulated a number of research methodologies including a literature review, stakeholder consultation, case studies, quantitative survey, secondary and econometric analysis.

The evaluation was overseen by an advisory group which included two independent senior academics as well as policy officials and evaluation specialists, keeping with UKTI standard practice.

Executive Summary - A review of the evidence base for UKTI's support for firms in High Growth Markets

Full Report - A review of the evidence base for UKTI's support for firms in High Growth Markets

Annexes - A review of the evidence base for UKTI’s support for firms in High Growth Markets

UKTI has a strong commitment to robust independent research and has formally responded to the review findings and recommendations.

UKTI response - A review of the evidence base for UKT’s support for firms in High Growth Markets