The evaluation of research activity conducted by universities, public research centres, private organisations, with or without public support, is a hot topic for current debate. The various actors involved are called upon to account for results obtained and, increasingly, fresh financing is dependent on the findings of evaluations. Our country however is still under-prepared, and professional skills are a rare commodity. This book offers a critical analysis of what has been done here and elsewhere, and proposes possible lines of action. Research and innovation are one of the priorities of both the European and Italian agendas. The possibility of improving results, particularly when resources are in decline, depends on the evaluation: of policies, of resulting actions, of institutions and of single projects. There is no shortage of instruments and methods, what is needed is a strong belief on the part of political decision makers and the cooperation of operators. This White Paper has been produced by the CSS Study Committee, coordinated by Alberto Zuliani. Committee members also include Andrea Bonaccorsi, Sergio Bruno, Massimiano Bucchi, Mario Calderini, Giulio Perani, Giorgio Sirilli, Gianni Toniolo, Ugo Trivellato.

Table of contents (.pdf)