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Publication
From research to action. Research follow-through monitoring and evaluation for impact optimisation
Book Contribution - Chapter
Abstract:The research facility within the Department of Spatial Planning and Environment (VPO) conducts a wide array of studies and evaluations in a variety of topics. While most findings are published on the website, many researchers are unsure to what extent their policy recommendations are passed on by policymakers, or to what extent results are being utilized by governments, civil society organizations or other research entities. However, it is this exchange that holds the potential to instigate societal transition. To generate an impact, it is necessary to comprehend how and where research results have the most profound influence.
To address this, VPO established the DoMES tool (Doorwerking Monitoring & Evaluatie Systeem -Impact Monitoring & Evaluation System) within its research division. DoMES tracks the followthrough of each research output and provides insights into evaluating the implementation of its findings, thereby providing opportunities to enhance the intended impact. The system operates in two key stages: identifying target groups and selecting relevant indicators. DoMES aggregates this data into charts, highlighting types of research or elements where follow-through may be lacking and suggesting potential improvements.
The tool takes input from a multitude of researchers, with diverse focuses and working styles, in a comprehensible and standardised manner. Each researcher fills out the relevant data for their respective work. Conclusions are drawn up based on this collective input. As such, DoMES leverages the team’s collective expertise and insights, enabling identification of areas where its research may be falling short in terms of implementation and impact. The tool provides the research facilityan accessible way to work together on a more impactful research agenda. Moreover, it forces researchers and evaluators to critically assess the relevance of their work.
DoMES enables VPO to compile insights into its various research and evaluation projects,
deepening the understanding of their mechanisms. These insights are crucial in identifying how stakeholders utilize and engage with evaluation recommendations and research output. The relationship between scientific research, societal development and policy advice is crucial but multi-layered. DoMES represents a step towards understanding its complexities a little better. In conclusion, DoMES serves as a starting point for refining research projects and enhancing their societal impact. It prompts collaborative thought into the impact of research projects, ultimately striving for meaningful change.
To address this, VPO established the DoMES tool (Doorwerking Monitoring & Evaluatie Systeem -Impact Monitoring & Evaluation System) within its research division. DoMES tracks the followthrough of each research output and provides insights into evaluating the implementation of its findings, thereby providing opportunities to enhance the intended impact. The system operates in two key stages: identifying target groups and selecting relevant indicators. DoMES aggregates this data into charts, highlighting types of research or elements where follow-through may be lacking and suggesting potential improvements.
The tool takes input from a multitude of researchers, with diverse focuses and working styles, in a comprehensible and standardised manner. Each researcher fills out the relevant data for their respective work. Conclusions are drawn up based on this collective input. As such, DoMES leverages the team’s collective expertise and insights, enabling identification of areas where its research may be falling short in terms of implementation and impact. The tool provides the research facilityan accessible way to work together on a more impactful research agenda. Moreover, it forces researchers and evaluators to critically assess the relevance of their work.
DoMES enables VPO to compile insights into its various research and evaluation projects,
deepening the understanding of their mechanisms. These insights are crucial in identifying how stakeholders utilize and engage with evaluation recommendations and research output. The relationship between scientific research, societal development and policy advice is crucial but multi-layered. DoMES represents a step towards understanding its complexities a little better. In conclusion, DoMES serves as a starting point for refining research projects and enhancing their societal impact. It prompts collaborative thought into the impact of research projects, ultimately striving for meaningful change.
Book: The 15th European Evaluation Biennial Conference – Better Together 2024: Collaborative Thought and Action for Better Evaluation
Number of pages: 12
Publication year:2024
Keywords:evaluatie
Accessibility:Open
Review status:Not peer-reviewed