S&T indicators as a tool for formative evaluation of research programs

The aim of this article is to review the potential of Science and Technology (S&T) Indicators for the evaluation of research programs. We suggest that indicators are a useful complement to other evaluation methodologies (surveys, case studies, panels) for summative evaluations, where the focus is on measuring program results and the degree of achievement of program objectives. However, we argue that indicators have a much broader potential to support formative evaluation, where the focus is on learning from past experience in order to design future research programs. Indicators, for example, are a valuable support for debates between social actors concerning strategic choices about research funding. We conclude by suggesting what needs to be done to realize this potential.