Measuring societal effects of transdisciplinary research projects: Design and application of an evaluation method

摘要: Most Transdisciplinary Research (TdR) projects combine scientific research with the building of decision making capacity for involved stakeholders. These usually deal complex, societally relevant, real-world problems. This paper focuses on TdR projects, which integrate knowledge researchers and stakeholders in a collaborative transdisciplinary process through structured methods mutual learning. Previous evaluation has insufficiently explored intended effects processes real world (societal effects). We developed an framework assessing societal processes. Outputs (measured as procedural product-related involvement stakeholders), impacts (intermediate connecting outputs outcomes) outcomes (enhanced capacity) are distinguished three types effects. Our model links via using mediating variables approach. applied this ex post process. 84 out 188 agents participated survey. The results show significant mediation two ‘‘network building’’ ‘‘transformation knowledge’’. indicate influence stakeholders, especially social network generation relevant action. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.