Developing a conceptual evaluation framework for gender equality interventions in research and innovation. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalpazidou Schmidt, Evanthia; Graversen, Ebbe Krogh
• Is Part Of: Evaluation and program planning. Volume 79(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Innovative conceptual evaluation framework -- Gender equality interventions and effects -- R&I -- Complexity -- Non-linear approach -- Gender sensitivity -- Theory-based evaluation -- Instrumentation; Health planning -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101750
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7189

Abstract

Highlights: The article discusses the development of a conceptual evaluation framework to design and assess GE interventions and their effects in R&I. The framework embraces the complexity, gender-sensitive and theory-based evaluation approaches ensuring that evaluation of GE interventions considers the contextual factors. The framework offers a non-linear concept, where contribution - not attribution - to achieve impact is central to the policy design and evaluation. The paper opens the "black box" to address the question of how and why a policy intervention works and in which context, accounting for methodological pluralism. The framework may serve as reference for researchers, evaluators and policymakers in designing and assessing gender equality interventions. Abstract: In this article, we discuss the development of a conceptual evaluation framework to design and assess gender equality interventions and their effects in research and innovation. The conceptual framework presented herewith embraces the complexity, gender-sensitive and theory-based evaluation approaches ensuring that design and evaluation of gender equality interventions consider the complex systems that constitute the context in which the interventions operate. The evaluation framework offers a non-linear concept, where the notion of contribution - not attribution - to achieve impact is central to the integration of team, organizational and system factors in policy design and evaluation. The paper opens the "black box" to address the question of how and why a policy intervention works and in which context and discusses a systematic process on how to approach the interwoven linkages between input, implementation and effects in gender equality interventions in research and innovation, accounting for context sensitivity and methodological pluralism. The evaluation framework may serve as reference for researchers, evaluators, policymakers and other stakeholders in designing and assessing gender equality interventions, and in further developing their evidence, and theoretical and methodological base.