Using evidence-based Theories of Change (ToCs) that visually represent the impact process is still relatively new in the context of research impact evaluation.
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The article below presents a case study, demonstrating how a theory of change was constructed as a way of evaluating policy impact. This process combined different perspectives using surveys, interviews, and focus group data to clarify how research influences policy. This novel approach uses past data to develop theories of change, aiding future research in making policy impacts. The case study offers valuable insights for research groups looking to achieve policy changes through their work.
Reference: Jensen, et al. (2024). How can a research program influence public policy? Evaluating a decade of research impact using an evidence-based theory of change. Institute for Methods Innovation: Casper, WY.
Interview with Peter Barbrook-Johnson
In this interview, Peter Barbrook-Johnson, Deputy Director of the Agile Initiative, discusses using the Theory of Change to evaluate and evidence policy impact. He highlights the complexity and long-term nature of policy engagement and emphasises the challenge of fitting such processes into short, polished narratives for funders. Barbrook-Johnson stresses the importance of regularly checking in with the Theory of Change, tracking indicators, and employing theory-based evaluation methods to effectively understand and communicate the impact of research.