Transversal evaluation of major R&D programmes: choices on behalf of society

When a choice has to be made between several sectors in a public programme, the professional standards which apply within each sector are no longer relevant and the question of ‘transversal evaluation’ is raised. Effective use of transversal criteria is favoured when powerful stakeholders express their values on behalf of society, but also when sectors are involved in a real competition. Since transversal evaluation clearly depends on the division of powers, it exerts in turn a reciprocal influence in reinforcing the organisations which achieve a build-up of their legitimacy on society-related bases. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.