Building on the knowledge and experience ELIXIR team gained during the piloting of the H2020 funded RI-PATHS project, this Implementation Study aimed to increase capacity in impact evaluation across a set of national ELIXIR Nodes. The Nodes focused on their chosen impact case study/-ies (or “impact challenge”) receiving mentoring from relevant experts (impact, innovation and industry, communications, funding and stakeholders). The case studies were chosen by the Nodes, based on their needs, as influenced by their national circumstances and particular sets of stakeholders.
EFIS Centre staff designed and implemented specialised training events for ELIXIR Nodes with hands-on learning complemented by knowledge-exchange. The training activities included facilitation activities using virtual whiteboard technologies for collaborative work and co-creation. The main intended outcome from this project is an increased capacity at ELIXIR Node level to demonstrate and communicate public value to funders and other key stakeholders, thereby contributing to long-term sustainability of Node-led activities. Results of the case studies will be disseminated so that lessons-learned and associated good practices benefit more widely across ELIXIR, and beyond. It is anticipated that this project will work to reinforce the ‘community of practice’ that is emerging, across ELIXIR, around impact evaluation.
