Towards Evaluating the Research Impact made by Universities of Applied Sciences

TLDR

Universities of Applied Sciences are mandated to create societal impact, yet the literature offers few explicit methods for evaluating that impact. This article analyses existing theories and frameworks to identify the criteria, assumptions, and requirements needed to evaluate applied research impact. It examines how current impact‑evaluation frameworks could be operationalised, enriched, and integrated into the Dutch UAS national evaluation system.

Abstract

Abstract Given the mandate of Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs) to create an impact on society, the evaluation of their research impact is of great importance. And yet, the methodology for evaluating this impact appear less explicitly in research literature then other forms of research. The purpose of this article is to present a literature-based analysis to discover from the complex world of existing theories and frameworks what criteria, assumptions and requirements are relevant for evaluating the impact of applied research. This article will also discuss the relevancy of frameworks currently used for research impact evaluation and the potential they have for operationalising, enriching and supporting the current national evaluation framework used by Dutch UASs. Finally, this article will conclude that the recommendations necessitate the creation of a new framework where the context and process of practice-based research and their stakeholders are included.