Formative evaluation in the Netherlands: an opportunity for the arts, humanities and social sciences

The Dutch Strategy Evaluation Protocol (SEP) deviates from performance-based research funding in many other European countries. First, it is comprehensive because it includes both the evaluation of research quality and societal impact of research. Second, it uses both quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be selected by research units themselves. Third, the verdicts of the SEP do not inform the allocation of funding on the national level. It is primarily meant to improve research and its impact, not to judge. We argue that the SEP presents a flexible and open approach that offers opportunities for the arts, humanities and social sciences to take control of their own evaluation. They can select those indicators that best demonstrate their achievements, and invite stakeholders to participate in the assessment committee to help evaluating the societal contributions. The SEP requires the nerve to break away from mainstream evaluation procedures by both researchers and policymakers.