Participatory RDI partnership evaluation

Abstract

Forward-looking and phenomenon-based research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities require a developmental evaluation approach that guides and accelerates change and co-learning. The foundation of developmental evaluation is the active participation and responsibility of stakeholders in a collaborative RDI process. In this context, the strength of evaluation lies in equity and diversity, as well as in integrating evaluation as a key part in achieving jointly agreed goals. The purpose of the developmental evaluation is to develop collaboration in RDI process. The focus of evaluation is on equitable participation, systemic emergence and diverse competences. The evaluation of participatory RDI partnership is approached according to a systemic evaluation concept. The key interests are transformative interaction, co-created change, and achievement of goals within a specific environment. All stakeholders involved in the RDI process, including the RDI network benefiting from the results, participate in the evaluation. In developmental evaluation, the diverse expertise and experiences of stakeholders are recognized as valuable resources in the collaboration. The aim of evaluation is to enable all actors to influence the development of collaboration. Thus, developmental evaluation promotes empowerment, commitment and the creation of shared values. The developmental evaluation of participatory RDI partnership was co-developed in a research-based and multi-phase development process at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland. It includes the implementation of evaluation, guidelines, and theoretical foundations. It provides a concrete evaluation framework, evaluation forms, and action plan table to be applied for each situation.