DIA Project Final Evaluation

Tender description

The Data Innovation Accelerator (DIA) is a 3.5 year, £3.3million operation which has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government under the ERDF Investment Priority Axis 1, which is focused on the development of research, technological development and innovation. The operation commenced on May 2018. The delivery period will end on 31 August 2021 and the operation conclude on 31 October 2021. The DIA will deliver under Specific Objective 1.2 which aims “to increase the successful translation of research and innovation processes into new and improved commercial products, processes and services, in particular through improved technology transfer from HEIs”. Final evaluation Cardiff University’s experience in previous Operations and other research projects has taught us that the full strategic impact and wider benefits of a project are often not fully realised during its funded lifetime. Nonetheless, a final strategic evaluation to take place shortly before the closure of the Operation is expected to capture a good overall picture of the full impact of the Operation. It will be an analytical review of the Operations and its impact. This final evaluation will seek to: Assess whether the mid-term evaluation recommendations were implemented appropriately; Provide a final assessment of performance against the Result Indicator and associated key Output Indicators and detail of reasons for any shortfalls e.g. Covid19; Assess the extent to which supported businesses are introducing new / significantly improved products as a result of the support and whether these have been commercialised yet, where applicable. Comment on the wider impact of the Operation in the context of the wider socio-economic trends of the East Wales region during the lifetime of Operation; Comment on the DIA’s contribution to the Cross-Cutting Themes and any lasting legacies to this effect; Assess how successfully the Operation integrated with other funded programmes; Assess the success of the Operation’s business engagement activities; Comment on the sustainability of the Operation post funding; Assess whether the Operation has been implemented in such a way to deliver the long-term benefits identified in the business plan. In relation to the Cross-Cutting Themes, consider: How has the operation performed against the delivery of CCT aims, objectives and commitments, as well as CCT project related indicators, including what worked well/what didn’t work, problems identified and how these were addressed? How, and to what extent, has the operation provided opportunities for participants to use and develop their Welsh language skills in the workplace? How has the operation contributed to the goals of the Well Being and Future Generations Act?