Learnings

Outcomes

This project delivered an initial evidence base to inform decisions on whether and how to establish CAPITO as a Centre of Excellence (CoE).

The project developed a clearer understanding of the viability and potential structure of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) through :

• Stakeholder engagement to gather views on the need for, and potential role of, a CoE
• Development of an initial training concept combining doctoral study and CPD
• High-level proposals for curriculum content and delivery approach
• Early consideration of funding options and delivery models

These outputs provide a structured starting point for further development rather than a final or fully defined solution.

As a result of the project:

• There is improved clarity on stakeholder appetite and expectations for a CoE
• The concept has moved from a broad idea to a more defined set of options and considerations
• The project has identified key design challenges, including funding, governance and scope

This supports more informed decision-making on next steps but does not yet represent a commitment to implementation.

As a discovery-stage project, no direct operational or system performance improvements were expected or realised.

The main improvement is in evidence and definition, including:

• Better articulation of the problem and potential solution space
• Consolidated stakeholder input to inform future design
• Initial alignment on areas of focus such as skills, innovation and collaboration

Key learning from the project includes:

• Stakeholders broadly recognise a need for improved coordination of skills and innovation capability
• There is interest in combined CPD and doctoral approaches, but further clarity is needed on delivery and funding models
• Funding and governance arrangements are critical areas requiring further development

These insights highlight the need for a phased approach, with additional work required before any large-scale implementation.

Lessons Learnt

Several key lessons have emerged from delivery of this discovery-stage project that can inform future innovation and capability-building initiatives:

• Iterative development improves outcomes: Moving from a linear to an iterative approach, particularly for curriculum and model design, enabled refinements based on real-time feedback, and resulted in more robust and relevant outputs.
• Clarity on deliverables and outcomes is essential: Clearly articulating expected outputs, benefits, and success measures early on would improve alignment across stakeholders and reduce the need for clarification during delivery.
• Integration across workstreams adds value: Stronger coordination between work packages enhanced consistency and ensured a clear line of sight from problem definition through proposed solutions and next steps.
• Funding model complexity requires early focus: Developing a viable and scalable funding model is critical and benefits from early, detailed consideration alongside technical and operational design.
• Discovery projects benefit from flexibility: Allowing adaptability in approach enabled the project to respond to emerging insights and stakeholder feedback without compromising overall objectives.