Project Number
CREST 17-01
Project Title
Developing a research information system for three South African agricultural industries: Learning about the impact of funded research
Project Leader
Boshoff, N
Institution
Stellenbosch University. Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST)
Team Members
Esterhuyse, H
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Objectives and Rationale
There is a need for funders to make informed decisions about the potential and real impacts of their research, with a focus on learning about the elements of a project that
produce broader impact. What seems to be required are SIMPLE tools that will allow funders to systematically monitor for impact already during the ‘project life’, i.e. from
the project start to the project end.
Methods
A set of tools was developed to systematically monitor for impact. The tools (templates) were informed by insights from: (1) various research impact approaches (IOM, SIAMPI, ASIRPA), (2) implementation science (the AACTT framework), (3) discussions with researchers involved in the three mentioned research impact approaches, as well as (4) four project case studies and two surveys of members of the technical committees of Winetech and Hortgro.
Key Results
Seven tools were developed. The first, a Research Impact Pathway Framework, provides the overall logic and conceptual frame for the other six tools (templates). Four of the templates are for data collection at different project intervals (concept proposal, project application, progress report and final report). The other two templates deal will be scoring and reporting.
Key Conclusion of Discussion
The tools provide basic indicators for inclusion in funder reports (to satisfy accountability pressures), as well as providing evidence for decision-making (i.e. by identifying projects that require intervention or redirection in order to meet the desired expected outcomes).
Take Home message for Industry
Any system to monitor the impact of research should treat the data that it collects as
its most valuable asset. Not only the systematic collection of impact related data is
important but also the systematic analysis of data.