The study Evaluation of the Relevance of the Objectives of Operational Programme Research and Development was commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
The document was prepared by the Slovak Organization for Research and Development Activities (SOVVA). The OP Research and Development is basic and biggest programme for Slovak science in years 2007 – 2013. The evaluation of the relevance of the objectives of Operational Programme Research and Development focuses primarily on the correct setting of the objectives and measurable indicators and their attainment. The evaluator focused as well on the identification of factors which have influenced or are influencing smooth implementation of the operational programme and thereby the meeting of its objectives and indicators.
Aim of the Evaluation
The Evaluation of the Relevance of the Objectives of Operational Programme Research and Development in terms of their achievement was drafted in line with the Evaluation Plan for OP Research and Development for Programming Period 2007–2013 and the Evaluation Plan for OP Research and Development for 2011. The aim was to evaluate the setting and relevance of objectives of OP Research and Development in how they reflect the needs of beneficiaries, to evaluate whether there is need to update OP objectives to bring them in line with the structure of priority axes, respective measures of OP Research and Development, and to evaluate the achievement of objectives at the level of OP Research and Development and respective measures. The Evaluation focused on achievement of the objectives in the period from 28 November 2007 to 30 June 2011.
Summary
The evaluation of the relevance of the objectives of Operational Programme Research and Development focuses primarily on the correct setting of the objectives and measurable indicators and their attainment. The evaluator focused as well on the identification of factors which have influenced or are influencing smooth implementation of the operational programme and thereby the meeting of its objectives and indicators.
Chapter Two presents an analysis of the status of research and development in the Slovak Republic, a comparison with other countries (especially neighbouring or similar countries) in order to evaluate the progress achieved in this area since the program was established on the basis of structural indicators. Chapter Two also includes an evaluation of the current status in implementation of OP Research and Development in terms of its contracting rate and drawing of financial aid.
Chapter Three presents the evaluator’s analysis of questionnaire surveys and evaluation interviews with representatives of the managing authority and the Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport SR for EU structural Funds. These aimed at understanding the views of beneficiaries and employees of the provider concerning issues related to the evaluation.
Chapter Four includes an analysis of the implementation of OP Research and Development, especially in terms of the number of projects, proposal submission success rate, amount of contracted financial aid and its drawing, and evaluation of achievement of the measurable indicators.
Chapter Five focuses on evaluating the meeting of the global objective of OP Research and Development and the measurable indicators at the programme level and on identification of the essential internal and external factors which have/had an impact on the current level of implementation.
Chapter Six summarises all analyses and partial evaluations, compiling them into concise units, including the levels of their implementation.
Chapter Seven includes recommendations and specific proposals for improvement and acceleration of implementation of OP Research and Development so as to accomplish the set objectives and, above all, to better reflect the needs of beneficiaries in project development/implementation.
Annexes to the analysis present a detailed evaluation of the questionnaire survey of beneficiaries of demand-oriented projects, a detailed evaluation of the questionnaire survey of MA and IB/MA employees and essential information about Horizon 2020.
Achieving the global Objective
The global objective of OP Research and Development is partially being achieved, primarily through better quality infrastructure within higher education institutions and better educational processes, creation of new jobs, more talented people interested in science and research and better competitiveness of science teams. Difficult areas still include especially modernization and higher effectiveness of systems for support of science, increasing the competitiveness of the economy, boosting the attractiveness of research careers, improving the international competitiveness of research teams, and increasing the success rate of research teams under the EU 7th Framework Programme.
Attachement:
Recommendations and specific proposals
