In 2019, Vinnova started an experimental process to design mission-oriented policies for mobility and food challenges guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In December 2019, the agency engaged with TIPC researchers to apply the TIPC approach to evaluation with two aims: 1) explore the practical use of the TOs and the construction of flexible ToCs to stay focused on transformation, inducing second-order learning, reflexivity and anticipation along the process; and enhance the transformative potential of Vinnova’s approach to mission-oriented innovation policy. These goals are coherent with the aims of TIPC work in-country: to create cross-learning processes for the TIPC members; provide tools and pathways to address global societal challenges in situ; and develop and test methodologies, theories and tools as a continuous co-creating process tailored to the country’s needs.
Evaluation of the process of designing a mission-oriented innovation policy
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Single initiative (e.g. R&I project)Which unsustainable structures & practices (Regime) does the initiative address?
Linear way of defining and evaluating innovation policy, specially in the food domain.
What are the sustainable structures & practices (niches) being created by the initiative?
Experimenting with a different approach to policymaking, particularly, with a different approach to evaluation, named formative evaluation. This evaluation process is based on reflexive monitoring practices for fostering socio-technical systems transformation. In this sense, it is a theory-based approach to evaluation that links general evaluation concepts and approaches with the sustainability transitions conceptualisation of outcomes. The evaluation is formative since it provides participants with tools to widen their perception of the role and scope of innovation policies and their contribution towards systems change by defining and working towards processes and outcomes directed towards transformation. Moreover, the formative evaluation approach uses participatory methods where different stakeholders define themselves the assessment strategy for transformational policies. This creates increasing demands on evaluators to mobilise and empower relevant stakeholders from different fields, sectors, and policy levels; coordinate and align potentially divergent perspectives on problems and possible solutions and manage conflicts of interests.
Which sector does the initiative primarily target for change?
Food
Is the initiative an experiment?
YES: Experimenting with a novel evaluation methodology (formative evaluation): exploring the practical use of the Transformative Outcomes and the construction of a flexible Theory of Change to stay focused on transformation; inducing second-order learning, reflexivity, and anticipation along the process; and enhance the transformative potential of Vinnova’s approach to mission-oriented innovation policy.
Building and nuturing niches
Promoting second-order learning among the participants Creating transformative narratives inspired by the transformative outcomes Exploring new methodologies for transformative innovation policies.
Opening up and unlocking regimes
Promoting second-order learning among the participants Creating transformative narratives inspired by the transformative outcomes Exploring new methodologies for transformative innovation policies.
