Demonstrating the transformative impacts of European research infrastructures. A framework for ACTRIS.
Saponaro, Giulia (2023)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121537813
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121537813
Tiivistelmä
Recognizing the importance of value and impact demonstration, this research underscores the need for research infrastructures to effectively communicate their contributions. Demonstrating value and impact not only enhances transparency and accountability but also strengthens the ability of research infrastructures to attract funding, garner support from stakeholders, and foster continued collaboration. By achieving this, the research contributes to addressing the broader question of how the societal, environmental, and scientific contributions of research infrastructures can be effectively captured and demonstrated. The framework aids in elucidating the often intricate and interconnected impacts of research infrastructures, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding.
The primary goals and objectives of this research involve the development of a framework that allows for the identification, measurement, and communication of transformative impacts by applying service design and strategy design to enhance flexibility and user orientation in concept development, and creating a framework that matches the strategic objectives and goals of the organization.
ACTRIS, the Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure, is a large Pan-European research infrastructure in the field of atmospheric science. ACTRIS is the commissioner of this thesis as it has been recently established as a legal entity, relying largely on public funding. Hence, ACTRIS has a strong interest and needs to show its value to stakeholders. The framework developed in this study offers a valuable tool for organizations like ACTRIS to articulate their transformative impacts, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on the societal and scientific significance of research infrastructures. The main questions that needed answers were, what are the benefits of including an impact framework in the organization’s strategy, how to account for the diversity of expectation and demands from stakeholders and how can values and impacts be effectively communicated to stakeholders.
To address these questions, a design process following the Design Council’s (n.d.) Double Diamond approach was adopted. Service and strategy were used as the broader framework of the development project. Stakeholders from the ACTRIS community participated in the development project in the form of survey, meeting and feedback.
Key findings include the development of impact management and assessment framework, and a prototype of a digital interface to demonstrate ACTRIS impacts with qualitative and quantitative indicators, ensuring the effective communication of ACTRIS values and impacts.
In conclusion, this thesis offers a valuable contribution to the field by addressing the unique challenges of impact assessment for research infrastructures. The proposed framework not only fills a critical gap in ACTRIS's strategy but also provides insights applicable to similar research infrastructures seeking to convey their value and societal impact systematically.
The primary goals and objectives of this research involve the development of a framework that allows for the identification, measurement, and communication of transformative impacts by applying service design and strategy design to enhance flexibility and user orientation in concept development, and creating a framework that matches the strategic objectives and goals of the organization.
ACTRIS, the Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure, is a large Pan-European research infrastructure in the field of atmospheric science. ACTRIS is the commissioner of this thesis as it has been recently established as a legal entity, relying largely on public funding. Hence, ACTRIS has a strong interest and needs to show its value to stakeholders. The framework developed in this study offers a valuable tool for organizations like ACTRIS to articulate their transformative impacts, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on the societal and scientific significance of research infrastructures. The main questions that needed answers were, what are the benefits of including an impact framework in the organization’s strategy, how to account for the diversity of expectation and demands from stakeholders and how can values and impacts be effectively communicated to stakeholders.
To address these questions, a design process following the Design Council’s (n.d.) Double Diamond approach was adopted. Service and strategy were used as the broader framework of the development project. Stakeholders from the ACTRIS community participated in the development project in the form of survey, meeting and feedback.
Key findings include the development of impact management and assessment framework, and a prototype of a digital interface to demonstrate ACTRIS impacts with qualitative and quantitative indicators, ensuring the effective communication of ACTRIS values and impacts.
In conclusion, this thesis offers a valuable contribution to the field by addressing the unique challenges of impact assessment for research infrastructures. The proposed framework not only fills a critical gap in ACTRIS's strategy but also provides insights applicable to similar research infrastructures seeking to convey their value and societal impact systematically.