1. Kristian Berg Harpviken
The Impact of Impact Assessments Experience from the self-evaluation of the Social Science Institutes
Kristian Berg Harpviken
Workshop on the societal impact of the humanities (for the upcoming HUMEVAL)
Research Council of Norway, 12 January 2016

3. Societal Impact
The impacts of the research may include, but are not limited to, changes in activity, attitude, economy, capacity, attention, competence, policy, practice, or understanding. The changes may occur among individuals, groups, organisations, in public opinion, or in society at large. The changes may be local, national or international. Effects on other research, or effects within the submitting institution (for instance the effects on teaching within the institution) are not to be reported as impact cases.

4. Knowledge for a more Peaceful World
Why do we do what we do?
Knowledge for a more Peaceful World

5. Research Communication
Maximize synergies across communication channels and audiences
Pursue the highest standards in academic publishing
Inspire public discourse, inform debate, and challenge established truths
Engage in informed exchange with policy-makers, practitioners and conflict actors

7. What counts? What do we register? What do we celebrate?
What do we reward?
What do we boast about?
What is critical to career-building

8. Challenges Impact instincts ingrained in organizational culture
Predictability: not all outputs can be planned; need for adaptation and improvisation
Reportability: some impact may be sensitive (taking credit may be detrimental to impact)
Detectability: some impacts remain forever unknown to us
Attribution: who can justly claim what impact often not clear
Ambition: The least daring propositions may be the ones most likely to be adapted, and vice versa
Time lag: Some impacts take a very long time to materialize
Reporting straitjacket: While reporting is needed, there is always a risk that ticking off outputs on a to-do list comes in the way of sensitivity to opportunities
Impact instincts ingrained in organizational culture

9. PRIO cases Conflict is Development in Reverse
Debunking Myths about Peace and Conflict
Defining Global Policy on Climate and Conflict
Placing Gender on the Peace and Security Agenda
Promoting Migrants’ Transnational Engagements
Setting the Agenda for Societal Security in Europe

10. Carriers of Impact Facts Perspectives Tools Agendas Relations
Competence

12. Lessons Need to change perspective Start early Think big
Research excellence
Research communication at the core

13. Assessing the Impact Assessment
Leaving out organizational structures (systems & culture)
Disconnecting societal from academic impact
A great learning experience!

14. 3 July 2018