The impact-monitoring dashboard
The dashboard aims to provide a functioning platform for exploring the broader societal impact of EU-funded biomedical research. It aims to monitor the pathways to impact from EU-funded biomedical and health research and innovation (R&I). The dashboard showcases a range of indicators to measure the different stages of the biomedical and health R&I ecosystem, from initial research and input measures (e.g. funding and skills) through to intermediate outcomes and wider societal impacts of R&I. The indicators for the wider societal impacts of R&I are categorised according to three overarching categories of impact identified in the evidence: health, economic and societal.
Conceptual approach to developing the dashboard and indicators
To select the indicators, we used the following key approaches: we developed a typology of societal impacts; we developed a ‘logic model’ to explore the ‘pathways’ to impact; we identified indicators and data sources mapped to the logic model. These were developed based on several steps and sources of evidence, which are detailed below.
Developing a definition and typology of societal impacts
- The team first developed an overarching definition of biomedical and health research impact, as well as a typology outlining the different categories of impact from biomedical and health research. This was based on desk research and consultation with experts across the EU R&I ecosystem, including beneficiaries, representatives from the European Commission and researchers experienced in considering research impact.
Developing a logic model to map the pathways to impact
- Based on the typology, the team developed a logic model to map the pathways to impact that EU-funded biomedical and health R&I can have. A logic model is a tool that maps out the key steps through which impacts from research can be achieved – from initial research inputs, through to intermediate steps and to the ultimate impacts of R&I. This drew on analysis of the funding portfolio for FP7 and H2020, and an expert workshop to discuss pathways to impact. Participants included researchers that have received FP7 or H2020 funding, researchers experienced in considering research impact, and European Commission representatives responsible for supporting research streams.
- Case studies from the funding portfolio for FP7 and H2020, focused on biomedical and health projects, were developed to explore impact pathways in more detail. Insights from the case studies informed the elements in the logic model.
Identifying indicators and data sources mapped to the logic model
- The team identified indicators and data sources to measure each element of the logic model.
- We aimed to prioritise the most relevant indicators that support the key aims of EU funded biomedical and health R&I; and feasible indicators based on availability of good quality, publicly available datasets that would be relevant for different stages in the pathways and relating to the different indicators.
Aims of the project
The project aimed to provide a clear definition and conceptualisation of the societal impacts that can result from EU-funded biomedical and health R&I; and develop a dashboard to monitor the extent to which these societal impacts are being achieved. The project was commissioned by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission.