Project
Impact of Higher Education Institutions on Regional Economies Initiative: Formative Evaluation
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

CFE were commissioned by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to conduct a formative evaluation of their Impact of Higher Education Institutions on Regional Economies Initiative. The fundamental aim of the evaluation was to assess the achievements and impact of the research as well as the effectiveness of elements of the initiative structure as a means of organising and enhancing the work.

The main objectives of the evaluation were to assess:

  • the design and implementation of the Initiative, and the extent to which it met its aims and objectives;
  • the academic quality and achievements of the research including the degree of innovation, interdisciplinarity, international focus and other scholarly attributes as appropriate
  • the quality and success of engagement activities, in relation to the Initiative’s Communication or Pathways to Impact Plan, including the extent to and ways in which policy-makers and practitioners have been aware of the Initiative and its work;
  • whether and in what ways research supported under the Imitative has been utilised and applied by policy makers and practitioners, and what changes in policy and practice have occurred that can be attributed to the research supported;
  • the capacity building achieved within and, where relevant, beyond academia;
  • the role of the Initiative within the wider context of ESRC’s investments in the area;
  • the contribution of individual projects to the Initiative;
  • the value added by the Imitative organisation, including an assessment of a) the role of the Initiative Coordinators, b) the role of the Advisory Committee;
  • the overall successes and weaknesses of the Initiative. 

A multi-method approach was employed to deliver this evaluation, including:

  • Evidence review
  • Online survey
  • Consultations with:
    • Coordinators
    • Project holders
    • Funders
    • Stakeholders

The evaluation was conducted between August and December 2011. A final report will be delivered to the ESRC in February 2012.

For more information, please contact Alexandra Michael on 0116 229 3300.



Higher Education