Outcome and Impact Evaluation of Large-Scale Research and Innovation Programs under TRSI of The Center for Agricultural Biotechnology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/nrru-rdi.2024.33Keywords:
Research Investment, Impact Evaluation, Excellent Center for Specialized ResearchAbstract
Background and Objective: Evaluating the return on investment in research and development provides a basis for forecasting potential outcomes and impacts. This study aims to assess the overall status, inputs, management processes, outputs, academic benefits, outcomes, and impacts of research programs under the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology.
Methodology: The study employs a quantitative economic analysis approach using secondary data sources. The research focuses on projects funded during fiscal years 2018–2020, covering 11 research excellence centers, 36 programs, and 143 projects. A subset of 22 case studies was selected by 11 experts from the respective centers. Data collection came from custom data recording forms and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The framework for evaluating research benefits was applied to data extracted from the National Science and Technology Information System. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, averages, and frequencies.
Discussion: 1) The operational status of the centers reveals a total research investment of 604.93 million baht, involving 1,161 researchers. The Center of Excellence in Mathematics is the most management process received the highest funding (15.38%), focusing primarily on natural sciences (62.24%) and basic research (52.45%). The technology readiness level was primarily at Level 3, with 64.00% of outputs categorized as knowledge creation. 2) Academic benefits include 689 academic articles and 21 intellectual property outputs. 55.00% of articles were published in the best international journal quartile (Q1), with an average of 11.51 citations per article. 3) The outcomes and impacts of the case studies, based on the 2022 baseline, revealed a cumulative net loss of -92.96 million baht, with future projections indicating a maximum net present value of 268.54 million baht. The greatest impact was on private entrepreneurs, which amounted to 494.26 million baht.
Suggestion: This evaluation reflects the potential of research excellence centers specializing in basic research within natural sciences, indicating primary technology and high qualified academic articles. While current impacts remain negative, future trends suggest significant net value creation, particularly benefiting private entrepreneurs.
Recommendations: Majoring research data into a centralized database is crucial for harmonizing the management of outcomes and impacts, ensuring alignment with Thailand's strategic goals.
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