MS42: Data Collection Trial Completed and Data Analysed

Grenoble Ecole de Management has developed, in collaboration with ESS, a methodology to evaluate socio-economic impact of ESS. It has also collected data from 2016, and performed a preliminary analysis. The methodology is based on quantitative and qualitative indicators, allowing to collect internal and external data. These indicators are closely linked to the ESS strategic objectives, approved by the Council in June 2017. Analysis of the collected data allows to:

• Identify potential weaknesses in achieving set objectives,
• Communicate on the way ESS impacts society and everyday life,
• Validate stakeholders’ decisions and vision by measuring the level of fulfilment of strategic objectives.

Included in the WP1 of BrightnESS, the evaluation of socio-economic impact study aims to provide all partners and stakeholders with an overview of the impact generated by ESS. By assessing ESS activities (scientific, industrial, collaborative, educational, social, etc.), it highlights the impact (present and future) of the research infrastructure on economy (local and regional), society (everyday life of citizens), technology and science.

This BrightnESS activity is a way to develop a framework of evaluation, dedicated to ESS specificities, i.e with tailored indicators elaborated together by ESS staff, the management team, and Grenoble Ecole de Management, and based on benchmarks of other research infrastructure practices in terms of evaluation.

The data collection followed a well-tested methodology: communication on the assessment process, feedback from ESS staff, meetings to see what data are available and possible to collect, adaptation to existing data.

In the long term, this activity aims to reduce the ex post collection of data by establishing a systematic method for evaluation of the socio-economic impact of ESS.