Over the last few years there has been a growing need to demonstrate and highlight the impact of RDAs and their contribution to the achievement of regional and national objectives. This change in focus was signalled in February 2006 when DTI published the Impact Evaluation Framework (IEF) which sets out the purpose, approach and methods for the evaluation of the impact of RDAs. This was followed in October 2006 with the production of an impact report.
The approach was further reinforced in December 2007 when BERR appointed PWC to carry out an independent assessment of the economic impact of all RDAs’ activities and provide a report to BERR by December 2008.
More information on the background of the evaluation activities is located in the Related Documents.
What do we mean by evaluation?
• What impact have RDA interventions had in improving their regions and UK economic performance and competitiveness?
• What lessons can be learnt and applied?
• What are the patterns of RDA spend, activities and leverage?
• What is the nature and scope of the RDA’s SAV?
• What are the gross and net outputs?
How do we evaluate?
• Monitor gross outputs: jobs; business assists; business created.
• Consider deadweight, displacement, unintended effects.
• Consider impact at a programme level
• Consider impact upon RES conditions
Why do we need to do it?
• To determine Region’s progress against RES Objectives
• To determine true impact of Agency activity
• To inform policy decisions – future policy direction
• To inform programme and project delivery
- Improve the capacity and capability of the Agency and its partners in developing and delivering projects and programmes.
- Improve the effectiveness of Agency and partner interventions in terms of economic impact.
What areas of activity will be evaluated?
• Regeneration Zones (Completed May 08)
• Single Regeneration Budget (Completed May 08)
• Skills (Due end of the year)
• Clusters (Due end of the year)
• High Technology Corridors (Due end of the year)
• Land, Property and Infrastructure (Due end of the year)
• Premier Automotive R& D Centre (Due end of the year)
• Rover Task Force and MG Rover programmes (Due end of the year)
To view the findings from the reports and information on how the Agency will be sharing this information, select the links located in the left hand menu.