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Inside R&D: Innovation Explained

Inside R&D: Innovation Explained

By: BBC R&D
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This podcast focuses on the future of technology in media, made by the BBC’s own Research & Development team and explains the innovation behind it.BBC R&D
Episodes
  • How do you take innovation beyond the lab? Bridging the gap between research and audiences
    Jan 29 2026

    In this episode of Inside R&D, Joseph sits down with Chris Northwood, former Senior Research Technologist, whose work helped shape some of the organisation’s most forward‑thinking tools, workflows, and production technologies. Together, they explore the full journey from early concepts to industry‑defining products, and what it really takes to move innovation beyond the lab. If you’ve ever wondered why public service values still matter in a world driven by rapid commercial tech cycles, Chris offers compelling answers.

    Follow the links below to learn more about the things mentioned in this episode:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/projects/cake

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/object-based-media

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/projects/object-based-media-toolkit

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/blog/2017-11-running-an-ip-studio

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/topics/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning/

    Find us on:
    Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd
    Mastodon: https://social.bbc/@BBCRD
    X: https://x.com/bbcrd
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/bbcresearchanddevelopment

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    29 mins
  • Can public service drive change in tech? How the BBC is shaping an industry for the public good
    Jan 22 2026

    Jon Page, former Head of Technology Strategy at BBC R&D, reflects on the pioneering internet‑based production workflows and audience‑shaping innovations he helped steer during his 13‑year tenure. He shares how long‑term thinking, a deep commitment to public‑service values, and close collaboration with entrepreneurial partners enabled R&D to influence industry standards and anticipate technological shifts. Together, we explore how BBC R&D continues to shape the future of media for the public good.

    Follow the links below to learn more about the things mentioned in this episode:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/blog/2019-01-ip-production-standards-interoperability-facilities

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/topics/ip-production

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2025-12-immersive-interactive-live-music-experiences

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2024-09-immersive-augmented-virtual-reality-metaverse-3d

    Find us on:
    Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd
    Mastodon: https://social.bbc/@BBCRD
    X: https://x.com/bbcrd
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/bbcresearchanddevelopment

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    28 mins
  • Is risk the price of innovation? Why bold ideas drive audience engagement
    Jan 15 2026

    From pioneering VR experiences to shaping the future of interactive content, Rebecca Gregory-Clarke reflects on her journey through BBC R&D and beyond. We discuss how bold ideas like immersive storytelling and audience participation redefined innovation, and why risk is essential for reward. Rebecca shares her insights on collaboration, creative technology, and the principles that still guide her work today, from experimental projects to industry game-changers.

    Follow the links below to learn more about the things mentioned in this episode:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/taster/pilots/we-wait

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/taster/pilots/click-360-cern

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_OeQxoKocU

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/blog/2014-07-bbc-rd-at-the-commonwealth-games-2014

    Find us on:
    Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd
    Mastodon: https://social.bbc/@BBCRD
    X: https://x.com/bbcrd
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/bbcresearchanddevelopment

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    23 mins
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