SPRU Overview
The Science and Technology Policy Research Unit has been engaged in world-class research on issues relating to scientific discovery and technological change since 1966. Its aim is to deepen understanding of the place of science and technology in the global economy. It is concerned with the scientific and technological challenges that confront decision-makers in government, industry and international agencies, and with the public debates that surround these challenges. SPRU is staffed by some 40 researchers from a wide variety of employment backgrounds and academic disciplines. The work also provides a critique of the mainstream by generating new ideas, methodologies and insights into policy and innovation management processes and outcomes.

Firm and Industry Innovation in New Technologies
One key area of research is the Strategy, Structure and Dynamics of Innovating Firms. Research focuses on the co-evolution over time of technology, products and structure within business organisations, particularly through the use of information and communication technologies. The Centre for Complex Product Systems Innovation concentrates on complex industrial products, systems, constructs and networks. The Innovation in the Built Environment group is conducting research into the management of innovation in project-based firms and the production of the built environment.

Another area of interest is the Restructuring of the European Defence Industry which is currently gripped by a profound process of transformation. Research focuses mainly on the reform of the European defence markets, and the initiatives which aim to transform the operation of defence markets and defence research.

Systems of Scientific and Technological Innovation in a Globalising World
The Research and Innovation Systems and Policies Group looks at the changing expectations for public sector research which have given rise to new approaches to funding and management. SPRU's research into Innovation in the Biotechnology Sector focuses on pharmaceuticals and food/agriculture; large and small companies; networking and collaboration; regulation and patents; genome analysis and gene therapy; and biodiversity and development. The centre for research into Information Networks and Knowledge is concerned with the generation and distribution of information and knowledge; particularly the development of new mechanisms for building knowledge-based societies.

Markets, Governance and Sustainability
Research under the Environment and Energy Programme is concerned with energy technologies; market liberalisation and regulation. In addition to participating in many research projects, the group is also a partner in the Tyndall Centre, the UK National Climate Change Centre, and a member of the European Network for Energy Economics Research.

The Harvard-Sussex Program (HSP) on Chemical and Biological Warfare is a long-standing collaboration between Harvard University in the United States and the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, mediated through SPRU. The programme undertakes research, publication and training in support of informed public policy on chemical and biological warfare (CBW). Its aim is to promote the global elimination of CBW weapons and the strengthening of constraints against hostile use of biomedical technologies.