01 · Space · Security
Space investment and security
Examining the economic benefits of UK investment in the European Space Agency and the changing challenges of space security and governance.
Report pp. 8–11
RAND Europe · 2025–2026
Spotlight
Explore RAND Europe’s research on the challenges shaping policy across the UK, Europe and beyond, from security and scientific innovation to healthcare, education and societal resilience.
President’s introduction
Evidence for an era of pivotal shifts
In his introduction, RAND Europe President Hans Pung describes a global order undergoing pivotal shifts, from a new US National Security Strategy to China’s continued investment in infrastructure, technology and critical minerals. Across Europe, he notes, governments are responding to complex security challenges while reinforcing societal and institutional resilience, making evidence-based policymaking more necessary than ever. Impact is the central theme of this edition, spanning nuclear deterrence, space, healthcare innovation and youth violence. He also highlights new initiatives in 2025 – the Data Science Lab, a webinar series and the Foresight Forum – and the planned inaugural Impact and Innovation Forum in January 2026, before thanking RAND Europe’s partners, clients and grantors.
Hans Pung, President, RAND Europe · Editorial summary of report pp. 2–3
Read the full introductionSelected research
Research highlights
02 · Science · Innovation
Improving how science is funded
Supporting the UK Metascience Unit with evidence on research funding, peer review and the opportunities and risks of AI in science.
Report pp. 16–19
03 · Health · Innovation
Making innovation part of healthcare
Exploring how research and innovation can support safer care, better access and a more sustainable health system.
Report pp. 20–23
04 · Education · Young people
Education’s role in preventing youth violence
Understanding how school experiences, trusted relationships and education policy can help protect young people from violence.
Report pp. 30–33
05 · Security · Infrastructure
Building societal resilience
Research on protecting critical infrastructure, preparing for advanced AI risks and responding to threats to social cohesion.
Report pp. 42–45
06 · Futures · Security
Preparing for possible futures
Using foresight methods to help policymakers explore uncertainty, test decisions and prepare for emerging challenges.
Report pp. 46–49
Space · Evaluation finding
£7.49
of economic returns derived by the UK for every £1 invested in European Space Agency programmes, according to RAND Europe’s evaluation for the UK Space Agency.
Source: Spotlight 2025–2026, printed p. 10.
Read about space investment and securityContents
Inside the report
- 02IntroductionOn this site
- 04Mobilising industry and society for European securityIn the PDF
- 08Navigating the evolving landscape of spaceOn this site
- 12Exploring perceptions and realities of European nuclear deterrenceIn the PDF
- 16Advancing the UK’s metascience goalsOn this site
- 20Enabling innovation in healthcare systemsOn this site
- 24The Arctic and High North: evolving geopolitics on NATO’s northern flankIn the PDF
- 26China: pursuing economic resilience and global influenceIn the PDF
- 28Ukraine: crafting the technological future of warfareIn the PDF
- 30Understanding the dynamics of violence and identity in educationOn this site
- 34Highlighting evidence for global workplace safetyIn the PDF
- 38Bringing healthcare to communities and neighbourhoodsIn the PDF
- 42Building resilient societies in an age of uncertaintyOn this site
- 46Anticipating change through futures and foresightOn this site
- 50Clients and collaboratorsOn this site
About RAND Europe
RAND Europe is a not-for-profit research organisation that helps to improve policy and decision making through research and analysis.