This series covers final evaluations of completed research programmes funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC), which operates under the Academy of Finland. The final evaluations include separate self-assessment surveys for the members of research consortia, as well as stakeholder surveys.
The self-assessment surveys for the consortium members examine the scientific and societal impact, success, and the need for development in programme funding within the SRC research programmes. The stakeholder surveys investigate the societal impact and interaction of the research programmes, as well as the significance of the research and engagement work carried out in the programmes for the projects' partners and stakeholders.
The survey examined the scientific and societal impact, overall success, and development needs of the programme funding of research programmes that concluded in 2023 and were funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) of the Academy of Finland. The research programmes implemented in 2018-2023 were Adaptation and Resilience for Sustainable Growth (ADAPT) and Keys to Sustainable Growth (GROWTH). Altogether, the programmes comprised 12 research consortia, i.e. project entities.
Respondents were asked to assess the impact of their consortium in advancing the objectives of SRC funding, such as a multidisciplinary approach, high-quality research processes, career development, and networking. They were also asked to evaluate the added value of the specific features of SRC funding, including large consortia, long-term funding, coordinated programme activities, and the emphasis on societal impact. In addition, respondents evaluated the significance of cross-disciplinary collaboration within their consortium, for example in selecting research priorities, data collection, application and generalisation of results, and working practices. They were also asked whether there had been research collaboration between different SRC consortia.
Finally, respondents assessed interaction with stakeholders, including the purposefulness and extent of interaction, the reach of target groups, and available resources. They were also asked how the societal relevance and impact of strategic research could be further strengthened.
Background information included the respondent's research consortium and home organisation, as well as whether the respondent had been familiar with the other consortium partners prior to the project.
The survey was aimed at the consortium PIs and deputy PIs, work package and team leaders, and interaction coordinators of the SRC programmes GROWTH and ADAPT. The invitation was sent by email, and each recipient received a personal login link to the survey.