Describing the impact of an environmental Research Infrastructures requires a thoroughly developed set of indicators. Currently, it lacks well-established models (ESFRI Roadmap 2016).

The aim of the requested study is to analyse impact in several steps:

1. to define a comprehensive framework for impact analyses describing the impact of an Environmental Research Infrastructures in General and specifically ICOS RI to science, society, and economy in a broad and comprehensive approach,

2. to develop a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) enabling ICOS RI to evaluate its impact,

3. to describe the current impact of ICOS RI, and

4. to develop a strategy to improve it.

Description of the expected service

1.) ICOS ERIC wishes to develop a comprehensive methodology for an impact analysis of a distributed European Research Infrastructure. A specific impact framework should be developed and be scoped to define the impact within the following fields:

— scientific/technological,

— societal,

— human resources,

— economic impact and impact on innovation.

Expected result: report on methodology

Delivery time: 20.10.2017

Maximum value of Lot 1 ‘Methodology’: 20 000 EUR

2.) It should include a definition of key performance indicators for each field and develop methods to derive measures to describe the performance of ICOS RI in relation to them. The indicators should include direct as well as indirect effects. Special emphasis should be on the analysis of pathways describing the societal and socio-economic impact related to Grand Environmental Challenges mainly to the Grand Challenge of Climate Change mitigation and adaptation. The role of ICOS RI in the global GHG observation system should be considered.

Expected result: report defining key performance indicators including methodology and rationale

Delivery time: 17.11.2017

Maximum value of Lot 2 ‘Impact KPIs’: 20 000 EUR

3.) Based on 1.) and 2.) an impact analysis of ICOS RI should be conducted. Respective data are partly available. However, parts of the data may also be collected during the analysis.

Expected result: comprehensive report on impact of ICOS RI on science and research, human resources, societal Grand Challenges, economy and innovation.

Delivery time: 31.1.2018

Maximum value of Lot 3 ‘Impact analysis’: 35 000 EUR

4.) Based on 3.) a strategy for the future development of ICOS RI in order to improve the impact should be developed. The strategy shall comprise all aspects listed in 1.) and be developed in a communicative process with different bodies of ICOS RI.

Expected result: report on development strategy of ICOS RI including different options defined in pathways and providing mid-term measures to reach defined goals.

Delivery time:

First draft 16.10.2017. Final version 31.1.2017.

Maximum value of Lot 4 ‘Strategy’: 25 000 EUR

The total value of the impact analysis is maximum 100 000 EUR. Partial tenders are not accepted. The value of a single lot may be higher than outlined if the overall framework is kept and the reduction in another lot does not severely compromise the expected results.