Short Abstract

Recognising that many academic studies focus on a narrow band of outputs, this in depth study uses participatory approach to co-create and develop a new set of dimensions through which to view and evaluate collaborative capital building and value co-creation in RDI contexts

Description

As well as alignment to ‘Bridging the Gap: evaluation to action’, this paper also relates to the conference theme of 'Building evaluation cultures'. Through an in-depth study of a successful university-based cooperative research centre (a longitudinal study over a 10 year period conducted as a part time PhD), this paper unpacks the lived experiences of a range of stakeholders (including academics and a diverse range of industry participants from SMEs to large industry primes) involved in collaborative Research, Development & Innovation (RDI). The partners' shared long term goal of achieving a paradigm shift in the way pharmaceuticals are manufactured (from the current batch manufacturing to more efficient and sustainable continuous manufacturing technology, systems and processes). In this collaborative RDI context, the co-production of evidence was generated using participatory and user-centred methods supporting reflection and learning as an integral part of the evolution of the technology, products, processes and the the evolving partnerships across the innovation ecosystem.

This area of advanced manufacturing is critically important to the UK economy (one of the key sectors in the UK Industrial Strategy) and the the study of a successful case demonstrates how effective monitoring and evaluation has been embedded in such a way that ensured a focus on delivering impacts from the outset. Having an agreed shared goal is considered critical to maintaining focus and driving interaction, creativity and collaboration amongst partners.

This study has highlighted a broader range of important metrics being used in the monitoring, evaluation and management in collaborative RDI and this paper demonstrates how this approach has enabled evaluation to play a key role in everyday decision-making and delivery contributing to a culture of entrepreneurial action and and the evolution of the new technology, systems and processes.