An evaluation framework for institutional capacity of science-for-policy ecosystems in EU Member States

This report sets out an evaluation framework to assess the institutional capacity of science-for-policy ecosystems across EU Member States. Specifically, this framework can be used as a relevant tool to understand the variety of productive interactions between evidence providers and policymakers, since a high frequency of productive and dynamic interactions between evidence providers and policymakers is seen as central to a healthy ecosystem. The report is of interest to practitioners and expert evaluators who want to assess how different organisations and actors provide and transmit knowledge individually and jointly to support evidence-informed policymaking. The guidebook includes concrete and actionable guidelines for evaluators to organise any national assessment, through a series of indicators to measure a variety of interactions: direct, indirect, financial, staff, and basic principles to address the degree of openness, transparency, and collaboration. Using this evaluation framework will give governments and stakeholders a better understanding of what a healthy ecosystem looks like and how to improve systemic integration and learning.