Summary of the impact

This case study concerns the economic, commercial and organisational benefits gained from the application of original research undertaken between 1999 and 2013 by the Operations & Supply Chain group at the University of Liverpool Management School. The research has provided significant new thinking concerning the design of agile organisations and supply chains through the creation of frameworks and tools for the development of SME-focused, resilient business strategies. Since 2008, the application of the research has supported a priority component of the Future North West regional productivity strategy for the North West of England through the implementation of a wide range of economy-driving and productivity-enhancing industrial applications. These applications have: boosted the region's economy and the prosperity of its citizens; facilitated the growth of the region's manufacturing SMEs; supported the participation of SMEs in global networks; equipped SME owner-managers with the knowledge and skills to facilitate business growth; improved the professional behaviour and cognitive characteristics of employees, and led directly to 117 jobs and several businesses safeguarded, and 31 new jobs created.

Summary of the impact

Research carried out by the University of Southampton has directly influenced the practice and behaviour of households, business, industry and government agencies. It has:

• Contributed to the 38% reduction of waste going to landfill and the 34% increase in recycling of municipal waste from 1995 to the present day.
• Underpinned the development of anaerobic digestion of food waste from the laboratory bench to the UK Government's preferred treatment option for this type of waste in only 10 years.
• Influenced landfill management and regulatory practices so as to improve resource recovery and reduce the long-term pollution potential.