Breaking out of the TTO; turning measurements into indicators

Abstract

Collecting the right data to represent research impact is only half of the battle for policymakers and researchers. Only when it has gained broad acceptance among stakeholders, and is placed into the right part of a university’s organisational structure can institutional data become indicators, drivers of institutional change and measures of performance. This paper is details a four stage process for constructing and implementing new indicators for entrepreneurial activity in universities. The first is the consolidation of the concept, or vision of the university. The second is the formation of indicators following academic research, here exemplified by the Global Entrepreneurial University Metrics (GEUM) initiative. The third is building public awareness and acceptance of indicators, in this case by way of a university ranking. The final stage is building the institutional structures for implementing indicators and collecting and presenting results.