The text on this page was automatically translated and hence may differ from the original. No rights can be derived from this translation.
Dialogic evaluated the DLO subsidy scheme for the Ministry of Economic Affairs to determine its efficiency and effectiveness. The evaluation requested consists of a general part evaluating the different components of the scheme for the period 2008-2014, and a specific part focused on the KB programme from 2011-2014.
In the period 2008-2013, DLO received an average of 179 million euros annually (including VAT) from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. These funds were allocated to the following programmes: Knowledge Base Research (KB), Policy Support Research (BO), Statutory Research Tasks (WOT), and since 2012, also for Top Sector Research (TS). Additionally, there is a budget for knowledge dissemination and utilization, divided into: Knowledge for Policy (KvB), Knowledge Flow for Education (BOGO), and Knowledge Communication (Knowledge Online).
Regarding efficiency, it was found that the subsidy has been spent and accounted for correctly in recent years, but there still seem to be opportunities for further efficiency improvements. Concerning effectiveness, it was observed that the scheme enables the Ministry to fulfil obligations arising from laws and international commitments (WOT), have access to a facility that informs policy directly with knowledge (and more indirectly through the developed knowledge base in the KB programme), enables the development and implementation of evidence-based policies in certain policy areas (BO). Additionally, the scheme contributes (partly through the KB programme) to establishing an internationally renowned knowledge cluster in the Netherlands. A concern is the extent to which space remains for societal issues that, for instance, are of less interest to the business sector (and therefore not willing to pay for) and for strategically medium-term research. The current KB surcharge is contentious and appears to involve a complex process to secure strategic knowledge building.
The effectiveness of the KB programme is under pressure. The KB budget has been significantly reduced in the recent period, resulting in a drastic reduction in the amount of 'freely' programmable (more strategic) research. Furthermore, KB funds are essential for co-financing and matching international research.
The parliamentary briefing and the conducted study have been submitted to the Dutch House of Representatives.