Evaluation of research contributes to focus and quality assurance
Open innovation, a service that enables companies to get help with, for example, product development, is one of the success factors that external evaluators highlight regarding the ongoing project Augmented Sports at the Sports Tech Research Centre at Mid Sweden University.
Since the start of the project in 2019, Augmented Sports has undergone regular evaluations by an external consulting company that contributes with feedback on everything from goal fulfillment to an improved way of working. A thorough evaluation process with the help of an external actor is a requirement from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth for larger projects.
Evaluators Mikael Augustsson, Viktor Pettersson and Mats Fahlander from Pro & Pro in Sundsvall have been hired to contribute with interim reports during the project period, which not least aim to ensure the overall perspective. This includes the important work of ensuring that sustainability aspects are taken into account, including environmental, diversity and gender equality issues.
"The evaluation work focuses on needs, efforts, results and effects. In this way, we get feedback that the right things are being done in the project and that the goals can be achieved," says Jonas Danvind, Deputy Project Manager for Augmented Sports at the Sports Tech Research Centre.
Some of the most important effects of the project are the development of companies, products and services in the region. The evaluators have therefore chosen to highlight the positive work with "open innovation", which enables external actors to take help from the research centre's expertise in product development, among other things, free of charge.
"Many people come to us with a product idea where they want to develop a prototype. Or they want to investigate the properties of a textile as a basis for further development. We jump in and help with product development, through, for example, additive manufacturing and material analyses. It is still the companies themselves that own the product development. Based on the feedback we have received from the evaluators, the project is heading in the right direction in terms of support for companies, says Jonas.
Another important part that the project focuses on is the internal work with learning and reflection, where the Sports Tech Research Centre continuously strives for an improved way of working.
"We have introduced a standing meeting point on this theme, where we have developed a checklist for applications for new EU projects. With the help of it, we can learn from previous projects. We have also conducted two internal seminars on sustainability aspects such as the environment, diversity and gender equality. We are constantly building knowledge through reflections," Jonas concludes.
The Augmented Sports project is carried out with the support of the European Regional Development Fund, and the municipality of Östersund is also involved as a financier.