Joint evaluation for joint governance of challenge-oriented research: (formerly known as: Evaluation and governance - and why the twain shall meet)

TY - CONF

T1 - Joint evaluation for joint governance of challenge-oriented research

T2 - (formerly known as: Evaluation and governance - and why the twain shall meet)

AU - van Drooge, L.

AU - Deuten, J.

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - We propose a novel way to understand evaluation of challenge-oriented research. We argue that challenge-oriented research requires specific modes of governance and research evaluation. Challenge-oriented research goes beyond conventional thematic or mission-oriented research programming. It concerns broader transformations in society, for instance the transitions towards sustainable energy systems or sustainable agriculture. It necessarily involves a broad range of stakeholders who may have different views on what the problem is and how it should be approached. Challenge-oriented research is part of a complex, non-linear, long-term, open-ended and contested transformation journey. This should be reflected in the governance and evaluation of this mode of research. We argue that ‘joint’ and ‘in itinere’ evaluation is crucial to learn how and what research contributes to broader, systemic transformations in society. It is also a necessary ingredient in building trust between various research funders, multiple research performers, users and other stakeholders that research helps society to move forward a step in the (open-ended) transformation journey. For this type of research, traditional ways of research evaluation do not suffice. New evaluation methods and practices have been developed over the last years. But so far, the experience with these methods for the evaluation of challenge-oriented research is limited. We argue that understanding evaluation as a joint governance process is key. We present a number of projects concerning evaluation of challenge-oriented research and the lessons learnt.

AB - We propose a novel way to understand evaluation of challenge-oriented research. We argue that challenge-oriented research requires specific modes of governance and research evaluation. Challenge-oriented research goes beyond conventional thematic or mission-oriented research programming. It concerns broader transformations in society, for instance the transitions towards sustainable energy systems or sustainable agriculture. It necessarily involves a broad range of stakeholders who may have different views on what the problem is and how it should be approached. Challenge-oriented research is part of a complex, non-linear, long-term, open-ended and contested transformation journey. This should be reflected in the governance and evaluation of this mode of research. We argue that ‘joint’ and ‘in itinere’ evaluation is crucial to learn how and what research contributes to broader, systemic transformations in society. It is also a necessary ingredient in building trust between various research funders, multiple research performers, users and other stakeholders that research helps society to move forward a step in the (open-ended) transformation journey. For this type of research, traditional ways of research evaluation do not suffice. New evaluation methods and practices have been developed over the last years. But so far, the experience with these methods for the evaluation of challenge-oriented research is limited. We argue that understanding evaluation as a joint governance process is key. We present a number of projects concerning evaluation of challenge-oriented research and the lessons learnt.

KW - challenge oriented research

KW - evaluation

KW - governance

KW - impact

KW - theory of change

M3 - Abstract

ER -