How do we define impact?
The UK Data Service aligns its definition of impact with that of the Economic and Social Research Council, which defines impact as ‘the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy’.
Our focus is on the demonstrable contribution the Service, its data and resources make to the economy, society, culture, public policy and services, health, the environment and quality of life.
Our emphasis is on drawing together evidence about the reach and significance of the impact of the use of the data and resources, of the Service as a whole, and on understanding the beneficial effect.
The UK Data Service impact strategy uses the ESRC’s ‘conceptual, instrumental impact and capacity building’ model to guide and structure our activity:
- Supporting, demonstrating and promoting the impact of the use of Service data and resources
- Supporting, demonstrating and promoting the impact of the Service as infrastructure
- Utilising Service expertise and knowledge exchange in support of further impact