TNO Impact Assessment EARTO Working Group on Quality and Excellence in RTO s December 17, 2008
Content Introduction TNO mission Monitoring Strategic Plan Examples TNO Cofinancing Programme / Economic Impact Conclusions 2
Impact Assessment? Impact assessment (IA) is "a process aimed at structuring and supporting the development of policies. It identifies and assesses the problem at stake and the objectives pursued, the main options for achieving the objective and analyses their likely impacts in the economic, environmental and social fields. Impact evaluation assesses the changes in the well-being of individuals that can be attributed to a particular intervention, such as a project, program or policy. Impact: a significant or strong influence; an effect. Chain: Inputs Activities Results Outcome Impact 3
Background Measurement and communication of impact (influence/effect) Impact hard to assess: Delay Attribution Alternatives ( non-intervention ) Combination of quantitative and qualitative approach Numbers and Stories Case studies (e.g. Research Councils UK) Requirements for a TNO impact assessment: Pragmatic approach Related to the Strategic Plan of TNO Using existing data (BSC) Balanced overview 4
TNO Law 1985 revision 2005 (first 1930) Position Art. 3: There is a Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO Aim Art 4: TNO makes available the results of Applied Scientific Research to the common interest and relevant sub-interests Resources Art 5: (a) Performing research (own initiative and contract) (b) Transferring results (c) Cooperation with other research institutes (d) Coordination of research and international cooperation (e) Performing governmental assignments (e.g. MoD) Plan and Financing Art 19 21: Once every four years TNO formulates a Strategic Plan TNO accepts subsidies/sponsoring and accounts for contracts TNO accepts a yearly Governmental subsidy 5
The TNO Mission To apply scientific knowledge with the aim of strengthening the innovative power of industry and government How does TNO give shape to its mission? We work on relevant innovations with tangible applications We do it together with partners, customers and stakeholders in open innovation and networks We pay specific attention in this respect to the SME sector and companies that are starting up 6
Strategic Plan 2007-2011 Our mission has succeeded when we have realized sufficient societal and economic impact by implementing innovations for and with our partners Our brand name, which is based on confidence, integrity and newly generated knowledge, helps us (reputation) We enhance the impact by: Focussing on relevant societal and economic issues (12 themes) Tangible innovations and concrete applications Knowledge base (unique and focussed) at an international level 7
Themes Public safety Defence Healthy living Food Dealing with a changing society Work participation and ageing Accessibility Construction and spatial development Living with water Energy (management) Natural and built environment High-tech systems, processes and materials 8
Monitoring Strategic Plan We work on relevant innovations with tangible applications (per theme) Examples and cases We do it together with partners, customers and stakeholders in open innovation and networks Assessment of Technology portfolio Participation in (inter)national and regional programs and networks Structural relations with universities, HBO, research institutes Strategic relations with companies We pay specific attention in this respect to the SME sector and companies that are starting up Contracts with SME (number and turnover) Knowledge development with SME Knowledge transfer to SME Spin-outs c.q. spin-offs 9
Examples Fieldlab First Responders, open innovation Secure Haven, city of peace and security (fieldlab The Hague) Monitor Physical Activity and (Public) Health Food Application Centre TNO (FACT) together with branchorganisations and SME s TRANSTOOLS, model for the forecasting of transport of persons and goods in Europe. 10
Economic impact assessment in TNO Cofinancing program Impact/effect of the project for the cofinancing companies (two years after finishing project) Are the results of the project applied? If so, which application? What is the total investment required? What is the (extra) turnover/profit up to now and expected (per year)? How much are the savings (better process) now and expected? What is the expected life cycle? Are there any other benefits, not expected before? If so, which? High multiplying effect (benefits/investments) of 3-6 based on a slight number of successful applications 11
Conclusions Impact TNO part of the Strategic Plan Impact Assessment should be part of operational process, i.e. monitoring Strategic Plan Internal process (numbers and stories) External process (communication) The chain Inputs Activities Results Outcome Impact shows an increasing complexity of assessment 12