In the world of research and innovation, ‘impact’ is more than just a buzzword or a vaguely defined concept, but rather acts as the benchmark of success itself. For consortia, institutions, and others seeking funding under European funding programmes, of which Horizon Europe is the most notable example, impact assessment is a core requirement. But how exactly is impact defined, measured and verified?
At its core, impact refers to the ability of research and innovation to produce measurable, positive change: whether scientific, societal, or economic. It is about addressing real-world problems and ensuring that knowledge and results are not just generated, but used. The moment when research outcomes start to have use, uptake, and effect, impact is achieved.
The European Commission’s take on impact
To make this process measurable, the European Commission introduced something called Key Impact Pathways (KIPs) under Horizon Europe. These pathways provide a structured set of indicators to trace how EU-funded research contributes to:
- Scientific impact (e.g. publications, data sets, and capacity building)
- Societal impact (e.g. improvements to health, inclusion, education, or sustainability)
- Economic/technological impact (e.g. new products, services, patents, or start-ups)
Each KIP includes both quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments to evaluate progress during a project’s life and beyond. Examples include the number of peer-reviewed publications, uptake by policymakers, or market-ready innovations. These indicators allow project officers, evaluators, and policymakers to monitor how research outputs evolve into outcomes and, over time, into impact.
Looking ahead, impact is set to play an even more central role in the EU’s research and innovation landscape. As global competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic autonomy become policy priorities, the next framework programme (FP10) is expected to place greater emphasis on demonstrable, long-term value creation.
Measuring and verifying impact
Most impact data is collected through self-reporting by project beneficiaries during implementation. This is supported by mid-term reviews and final reporting. But the Commission recognises that many types of impact, especially those of societal or environmental nature, take longer to emerge.
For instance, the real benefits of a climate resilience strategy or a new education tool may not be visible until years after a project ends. This is why Horizon Europe includes ex-post evaluations, and why a 2023 European Commission working document emphasised the need for long-term studies to understand how projects contribute to broader policy goals.
Supporting the pathway to impact
With over 30 years of experience, META Group actively takes part in projects, and helps to shape, plan and deliver outcomes that mobilise impact – throughout a project’s lifecycle – and beyond.
Get in touch with us to explore how we can coach you to turn your research into impact. Include us in your team and we can help identify potential outcomes, connect your findings with the right stakeholders and markets, and guide you on the pathway from discovery to application. Our expertise includes leading exploitation and dissemination activities in EU-funded projects, ensuring your research achieves real-world reach and value.