Stage 1: Create your impact pathway

Definitions

EI’s definition varies across industries, including between the ARC and NHMRC. Despite variations in wording there is a uniting principle and consensus on what engagement and impact “is”.

Leading EI researcher and thought leader, Prof Mark Reed, has analysed EI definitions across the globe and the uniting definition for impact is that, “impact equals benefit”.  Engagement, in the context of impact evaluation, is defined as the engagement that happens outside academia with either a research end-user or beneficiary.

Curtin Research EI Framework

EI best practice is achieved through a pathway to impact framework. A pathway to impact, sometimes referred to as an impact plan, is the strategic plan to reach a benefit. This framework resembles a logic model. An effective pathway will identify the goal/benefit and what resources, activities and outputs are necessary to achieve outcomes toward the goal.