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On behalf of the Flemish Department of Economy, Science and Innovation (EWI), Dialogic conducted an evaluation between October 2017 and July 2018 of the Flemish Academic Bibliographic Database for the Social Sciences and Humanities (VABB-SHW), the Special Research Funds (BOF), and the Framework for Young Researchers (OJO). Due to the thematic and legal connections and the timeframe for the evaluations, the three evaluations were combined into a single evaluation assignment.
• Evaluation of VABB-SHW: This evaluation focused on the setup and operation of the database, which includes publications by researchers in the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) affiliated with a Flemish university. Previously, these publications were not counted in existing databases (such as Web of Science). With the VABB-SHW, these publications can now be considered in the distribution of BOF funds among universities (one of the parameters in the distribution keys includes the number of publications).
• Evaluation of BOF: Flemish universities develop a strategic policy plan every five years outlining the main policy directions for scientific research in the coming five years. The Special Research Funds (BOF) are allocated by the Flemish government to universities to finance fundamental research. This evaluation assessed the contribution of BOF to universities' research policies, as well as the role and position of BOF within Flemish research policy.
• Evaluation of OJO: Supporting young talent is a key focus in universities' research policies. Part of this involves Flemish universities establishing doctoral schools, with a focus on recruiting international doctoral students (PhDs), offering interdisciplinary training for both broadening and deepening research skills, and enhancing career prospects. Universities receive funding from the Flemish government for measures associated with the 'Framework for Young Researchers' (OJO). The evaluation examined the contribution of OJO to universities' research policies and Flemish research policy.
All three evaluations employed a mixed-method approach: desk research, interviews, and an international benchmark (for VABB-SHW and BOF). Additionally, international panels of experts were involved in the evaluations.
