Formative evaluation for transformative outcomes
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Utrecht University - Drift 6 |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 315 877 |
| Project duration | December 2019 - March 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
Vinnova members and TIPC researchers experimented with and refined a formative evaluation approach based on transformative innovation policies in a co-creation process. The approach was applied to an evolving in-house mission-oriented innovation policies (MOIP) design, taking the food missions as the base for the engagement. The process produced insights on evaluating MOIP in line with Sweden’s SDGs. Reflections on the approach were shared in the TIPC Nordic Learning Learning event, using learning histories.
Expected long term effects
A transformative theory of change (TToC) to Sweden’s food challenges has been a source of reflection and inspiration for past and current calls of the emergent Vinnova’s food area. The engagement has highlighted the need to shield, nurture and empower emerging food sustainable practices in different municipalities across Sweden as core leverages for system transformation. The team also has an evaluative framework to guide the process design and implementation.
Approach and implementation
Adding a reflexive layer to policy design requires new internal capabilities - such as unlearning, relational governance and expectations management - which challenge the current operation. Tensions caused by the mix of different policy designs, management styles, or evaluation practices were channelled as a source of learning, not evaded. Strengthening Vinnova’s mission towards innovation policy for transformation, beyond its funding role, requires keeping this kind of open-ended experimental engagements.