Presented by Enrico Vanio, University of Sheffield
This webinar examines the limitations of traditional innovation metrics and introduces a novel approach to identify “hidden innovators” within the UK business population.
By integrating survey data, administrative records, and alternative big-data sources, the study creates a comprehensive micro-level dataset covering diverse forms of innovation activity between 2015-2020. Results reveal that a substantial share of innovative firms, often young, small, service-sector and urban businesses, are not captured by existing survey-based measures. Administrative and alternative data sources identify between 40,000 and 120,000 such firms, significantly expanding the innovation landscape and suggesting that UK R&D investment may be underestimated by up to £20bn.
The findings highlight the value of linked data systems in enhancing innovation statistics, supporting better-targeted policy interventions, and providing a methodological blueprint for other countries.
Presenter bio
Dr. Enrico Vanino is an Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) at the School of Economics of the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on issues related to urban and regional economics, the economics of innovation, and international economics. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Birmingham and previously worked as a Fellow in Economic Geography at the London School of Economics, and as BA Innovation Fellow at the ONS Survey and Economic Indicators division. Enrico is part of the Council of Experts of the Innovation and Research Caucus, and has been an Associate Editor for the journal Economic Modelling since 2025.
Discussant: Joel Kariel, Competition and Markets Authority
Chair: Rebecca Riley, ESCoE
