Case Study NHS Sussex Research Strategy: Embedding research across the health and care system 3 July 2025 Share Share on Linkedin Share on X Share via email Case Study Sussex Researchers and academics Summary The NHS Sussex Research Strategy sets out a system-wide approach to embedding research and innovation across all health and care services in Sussex. Developed in line with the Health and Care Act 2022, which mandates Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to promote and use research to inform commissioning and service delivery, the strategy was co-produced with partners across the Sussex Health and Care Partnership. It aims to ensure services are evidence-informed, research-active, and responsive to population needs. Challenge ICBs are now legally required to facilitate, promote, and utilise research to improve services and outcomes. However, many systems lack a coordinated approach to fulfilling this duty. In Sussex, the challenge was to bring together a diverse group of partners – including NHS providers, local authorities, and universities – to co-develop a shared research strategy. This required a shift in thinking about what research is, where it happens, and how it can be aligned with system priorities rather than individual organisational agendas. Approach Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) provided programme support from August 2024 to March 2025 to co-develop the NHS Sussex Research Strategy and its delivery plan. This involved: Collaborative engagement with health and care providers, universities, local authorities, and public representatives Alignment with the NHS Sussex “Improving Lives Together” strategy Ensuring compliance with legal duties under the Health and Care Act 2022 Promoting opportunities for Sussex to benefit from research investment Impact The NHS Sussex Research Strategy was delivered in December 2024, followed by the delivery plan in March 2025. The strategy has already fostered a shared understanding of the value of research and how to work collaboratively across the system. The collaborative working across sectors also contributed to an award of £3.5 million in funding to establish a Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) in Sussex, demonstrating the power of partnership in attracting investment. We are now working closely with the CRDC to support commercial research opportunities. Spread and scalability The strategy was developed through extensive engagement. Key lessons from the programme include the importance of a shared vision, open communication, and addressing power imbalances and biases. The next phase will focus on delivering the strategy’s ambitions and embedding research into everyday practice across the system. Find out more The NHS Sussex Research Strategy is available on the NHS Sussex website. For more information, contact Health Innovation KSS.