Interdisciplinary
research: measurement and assessment indicators
Mario De Marchi
National Research Council
of Italy
CNR-CERIS
Institute for Economic
Research on Firm and Growth Via dei Taurini 19, Roma
Tel.: +39 06-4993
7848;
fax : +39 06 4993
7808; email:
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Abstract:In
order to implement appropriate policies to face the difficulties and remove the
obstacles that hinder interdisciplinary research, it is necessary to clarify
how this ever broader and more dynamic portion of science works and which
incentives best support the activities of scientists. Interdisciplinary studies
are a peculiar aspect of the activities performed by researchers operating at
the frontier of science, for instance in cutting-edge sectors. They might
encompass fields of investigation that already exist, but they cannot be
exclusively ascribed to any one of them. Abstract answers regarding the very
unusual matters investigated by interdisciplinary research would make it
extremely difficult to provide quantitative output measurements and
evaluations. Yet, the shift from general abstract answers to specific empirical
problems, which is the objective of most interdisciplinary research, turns out
to be an advantage when assessing this type of research. Concentrating on
problems and on approaching their solutions in objective quantitative terms can
allow for output measurement and assessment also in the case of
interdisciplinary research. This can be achieved by using precision and
efficiency parameters able to provide public policies and entrepreneurial
activities with content that is as clearly defined and as rigorous as that of
specialist research.
keywords:Scientific research; Research
evaluation; Research policy.