How to demonstrate impact to funders? Insights and challenges in demonstrating public value - A case study from a life sciences research infrastructure ELIXIR Finland

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master_Juuvinmaa_Janina_2024.pdf (1.16 MB)

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School of Business | Master's thesis
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Date

2024

Department

Johtamisen laitos

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Mcode

Degree programme

Strategic Management in a Changing World

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en

Pages

70+13

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Abstract

This study explores how ELIXIR Finland, as part of the European research infrastructure ELIXIR, demonstrates its impact to national funders. Understanding how research infrastructures communicate their value is critical for securing ongoing support and funding. By examining ELIXIR Finland's strategies and activities, this study aims to offer insights into practices used in demonstrating impact to funders and practical challenges through the lens of a real-life case organisation. The objective is to examine the strategies and activities employed by ELIXIR Finland and understand the challenges related to effective impact communication, providing organisational understanding and directions for improvement. This study employs a qualitative approach, focusing on a case study of ELIXIR Finland. Primary data was collected through six semi-structured interviews with key decision-makers in ELIXIR Finland and in CSC. These interviews were supplemented with secondary data consisting of relevant internal material and documents to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes and dynamics of the case organisation. The interview data weas transcribed and thematically analysed to identify key patterns and insights. The study’s findings provide key insights into the strategies and challenges faced by ELIXIR Finland in demonstrating their impact. The findings reveal a reliance on intuition, professional experience, and qualitative data rather than defined metrics, leading to fragmented efforts and inconsistent data collection. A balanced approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods is essential for comprehensive impact assessment and the lack of systematic planning, formal strategies, and integrated processes complicates impact measurement. These interconnected challenges necessitate a holistic approach to address them effectively. This study makes important contributions to the field of impact assessment and organisational management by providing detailed insights into the interconnected challenges that organisations face in demonstrating impact.

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Thesis advisor

Pälli, Pekka

Keywords

impact, social impact, impact assessment, impact demonstration

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202408185448

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