Research Project: Product Stewardship and Circularity in Scotland's Textiles Industry

Tender description

This was a Single Stage ("Open") Tender conducted in accordance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 for the provision of research consultancy services. Lot 1: Quantitative research and analysis We chose not to prescribe the services to be deployed. Instead, the Contractor identified the most appropriate service solution through review of the specification and application of their expertise to provide a robust methodology for the sub-project that includes (but is not limited to): - Quantitative research and analysis of the textiles industry in Scotland, building on existing Zero Waste Scotland evidence. - Mixed methods research interviews to support quantitative industry and supply chain mapping, and stakeholder mapping, including insights from waste managers; - Generation of an industry and supply chain map using ArcGIS and the available quantitative evidence; and - Application of reflective critical thinking of the approach used and lessons learnt to produce recommendations for best practice methods for carrying out industry, supply chain and stakeholder mapping. Further information was provided in the Specification document that accompanied the Contract Notice. Lot 2: Qualitative research and analysis We chose not to prescribe the services to be deployed. Instead, the Contractor identified the most appropriate service solution through review of the specification and application of their expertise to provide a robust methodology for the sub-project that includes (but is not limited to): - Mapping of stakeholders along the value chain, considering power, influence (and interest), a just transition and inclusive participation; - Qualitative, semi-structured research interviews to gather insights on attitudes and behaviours that facilitate or hinder the move towards a circular textiles industry, and challenges and opportunities for product stewardship, considering a just transition, and analysis of findings, i This will require collaborative research design, interview schedule, data collection, transcription, and analysis. Interviews should be conducted in a manner that allows for data saturation within each of the stakeholder groups, which is estimated to be between ten (10) and twenty-five (25) interviews per group, applying research ethics and due diligence to ensure that relevant standards are met throughout. Lot 1: Quantitative research and analysis We chose not to prescribe the services to be deployed. Instead, the Contractor identified the most appropriate service solution through review of the specification and application of their expertise to provide a robust methodology for the sub-project that includes (but is not limited to): - Quantitative research and analysis of the textiles industry in Scotland, building on existing Zero Waste Scotland evidence. - Mixed methods research interviews to support quantitative industry and supply chain mapping, and stakeholder mapping, including insights from waste managers; - Generation of an industry and supply chain map using ArcGIS and the available quantitative evidence; and - Application of reflective critical thinking of the approach used and lessons learnt to produce recommendations for best practice methods for carrying out industry, supply chain and stakeholder mapping. Further information was provided in the Specification document that accompanied the Contract Notice. Lot 2: Qualitative research and analysis We chose not to prescribe the services to be deployed. Instead, the Contractor identified the most appropriate service solution through review of the specification and application of their expertise to provide a robust methodology for the sub-project that includes (but is not limited to): - Mapping of stakeholders along the value chain, considering power, influence (and interest), a just transition and inclusive participation; - Qualitative, semi-structured research interviews to gather insights on attitudes and behaviours that facilitate or hinder the move towards a circular textiles industry, and challenges and opportunities for product stewardship, considering a just transition, and analysis of findings, i This will require collaborative research design, interview schedule, data collection, transcription, and analysis. Interviews should be conducted in a manner that allows for data saturation within each of the stakeholder groups, which is estimated to be between ten (10) and twenty-five (25) interviews per group, applying research ethics and due diligence to ensure that relevant standards are met throughout.