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 societal impact and interaction of research programmes that concluded in 2023 and were funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC), operating in connection with the Academy of Finland. The study focused also on the significance of the research and interaction activities carried out within the programmes for the research projects' collaboration partners and stakeholders. 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 about their role in the research programme or project, how frequently they interacted with the project, and what their practical involvement entailed, such as participation in research activities, stakeholder events, expert hearings, training, policy influence, or international cooperation. In addition, respondents assessed their interaction with the research programme or project, including the purposefulness and extent of interaction, the reach of target groups, and available resources. They were also asked about the objectives they pursued through interaction, such as building and strengthening networks, developing expertise, gaining visibility, generating new innovations, or achieving economic benefits. Respondents described significant outputs or solutions produced by the research programme or project and assessed the relevance of the project work for their own organisation and for society at large.
Finally, some statements were made about strategic research, such as the topicality of its objectives, scientific high quality, international prestige, multidisciplinarity and the usefulness of the results. The respondents were also asked how the societal relevance and impact of strategic research programmes could be further strengthened.
Background information includes the respondent's organisation, role in relation to the research programme, and previous relationship with researchers and research organisations in the research programme.
All of the top 10 stakeholders reported by the research projects and programme leaders of the SRC funded ADAPT and GROWTH programmes were invited to participate in the Webropol survey. An invitation and a personal direct link to survey were sent by e-mail to recipients.