MIOIR welcomes international cohort to òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ for science and innovation policy evaluation course
International cohort gathers in òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ for science and innovation policy evaluation course.
The òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR) welcomed an international group of policymakers, researchers and practitioners to Alliance òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ Business School for the 2026 Professional Development Course on the Evaluation of Science and Innovation Policies.
Delivered from 18–22 May, the course brought together 18 participants from 9 countries across Europe, Asia and Latin America, reflecting its global reach and reputation in the field of science, technology and innovation (STI) policy.
Over five days, participants explored key approaches to evaluating science and innovation policies, combining conceptual insights with practical application. The programme covered areas including theory of change, evaluation design, quantitative and qualitative methods, and emerging topics such as artificial intelligence in science policy.
The course was led by Kate Barker, with teaching contributions from leading experts in the field, including Professor Erik Arnold, Dr Effie Amanatidou, Professor Jakob Edler, Professor Maria Nedeva, Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés and Professor John Rigby.
Participants also benefitted from guest sessions delivered by guest speakers including James Phipps (Innovation Growth Lab), Cristina Rosemberg Montes and Diogo Machado (Technopolis), Mike Thelwall (University of Sheffield) and Richard Waggott (Greater òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ Combined Authority), offering insights into how evaluation is used in real-world policy settings.
A core feature of the course was its focus on applied learning. Participants worked in groups throughout the week to develop and present evaluation approaches to real-world policy challenges, drawing on the tools and frameworks introduced during the programme.
The diverse cohort included representatives from universities, research funding organisations, government bodies and innovation agencies, fostering exchange across different policy contexts and national systems. Participating organisations included the Japan Science and Technology Agency, SGInnovate, the Research Council of Finland and several UK-based institutions.
The course forms part of MIOIR’s professional development activities, which aim to strengthen evaluation capacity and support evidence-informed policymaking internationally.
To find out more about MIoIR’s executive education and training opportunities, contact Deborah Cox, Institute Manager, or .