The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) has adopted a report on approaches to the assessment of scientific, societal and economic impacts of investments in Research Infrastructures (RIs) by the EU Member States, the European Commission and international organisations.
The ESFRI Policy Brief on Assessment of Impact of Research Infrastructures highlights the importance of understanding the differences between performance monitoring and impact assessment for RIs. It provides recommendations to stakeholders, policymakers, funders, governments, RIs, ESFRI, and the Commission. Key points include the following:
- Acknowledging the differences between RIs and avoiding direct comparisons in impact assessments.
- No one-size-fits-all methodology for impact assessments; a customised approach should be taken.
- Recognising the relevance of scientific impact while also considering various other socioeconomic impacts.
- Taking into account the longitudinal nature of impact assessments and the need for data collection over time.
The study has been undertaken in response to the request of the EU Council to investigate the approaches by Member States, the Commission, international organisations and by the end of 2023. The report was adopted during the latest ESFRI Forum meeting, held in June in Lund under the auspices of the Swedish EU Presidency.