In this booklet by the UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR) 10 exemplary case studies submitted to Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) are discussed, highlighting international development research by the UK and its non-academic impacts. All 10 case studies are evaluated for how the research at each location was conducted and what the real-world impacts were from this research.
Based on their analysis, UKCDR identified 4 categories of impact:
- Conceptual
- Instrumental
- Learning and Development
- Networks and Connectivity
Some of the key factors outlined in this analysis that led to the greatest impacts from developmental research are embracing flexibility, collaboration, and continuous learning during research.
Padilla A., Chadwick El-Ali A., Heintz, M. (2023). Realising the impact of UK international development research: A collection of REF2021 impact stories. Link: https://ukcdr.org.uk/case-study/realising-the-impact-of-uk-international-development-research-a-collection-of-ref2021-impact-stories/