Table 1 Indicator groups and examples of indicators

Impact indicators on management and coordination

• Improved or new networks with public/private organizations

• Networks with global/EU/national partners,

• Systematic dialogue with policymakers, customer involvement in project planning

• Efficiency of the research—results (outcomes) versus resources used

Scientific impact indicators

• Achievements of research projects—outcomes versus FP objectives/targets set

• Fit between framework and data

• The power to address previously unsolved questions

• Number of publications and/or patents

Customer/End user impact indicators

• Public-policy initiatives, new business initiatives/activities

• Long-term product or service development

• Advantage and stability of the research results

Societal impact indicators

• Implementation of research output by policy field, industry or other societal stakeholders

• Active use of implemented research output by societal groups

• Contribution of priority setting, e.g. future research goals

• Contribution to strategy processes of public and private organizations

• Established norms, standards, regulation