Framework For Identifying Research And Innovation Impact Case Studies From South African Universities At African Population and Health Research Center

1. Introduction and Background

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a premier research-to-policy institution, generating evidence, strengthening research and related capacity in the African research and development ecosystem, and engaging policy to inform action on health and development. The Center is Africa-based and African-led, with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and a West Africa Regional Office (WARO), in Dakar, Senegal. APHRC seeks to drive change by developing strong African research leadership and promoting evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Center is collaborating with the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) on its project on Building it Forward for Research (Management) Leadership in Southern Africa, in which the Center is leading a specific workstream to carry out impact case studies arising out of university research. This collaborative approach ensures effective execution and maximizes the value of the research impact assessment.

2. Project Scope and Focus

University research plays a critical role in improving wellbeing, informing policy decisions, and driving innovation. However, the impact of this research often remains under-communicated, hindering efforts to secure sustained funding and public support. While quantitative data is essential, compelling case studies go beyond mere numbers. They weave narratives that capture the human stories behind the research, highlighting the challenges addressed, the innovative solutions developed, and the real-world impact on societal outcomes. These narratives resonate with audiences, generating greater understanding and appreciation for the value of research. The case studies produced in this workstream target a diverse audience, including:

• Funders: Highlighting the transformative power of research investments.
• Policymakers: Demonstrating the research-policy nexus and influencing policy decisions.
• Public: Raising awareness about the impact of research on their lives.
• Media: Generating media interest and amplifying the research’s impact.

Led by APHRC, the workstream aims to identify, analyse and document four case studies showcasing the impact of research and innovation projects conducted by South African universities. The case studies will highlight the tangible contributions of university research and innovation to national priorities and broader societal well-being.

3. Criteria for Selecting Case Studies

The preferred sectors for cases include:

• Health
• Agriculture
• Inclusive financial systems

The case studies will demonstrate one or more of the following impact pathways:

• Impact on Societal Outcomes: Evidence of clear, measurable improvements in outcomes, economic well-being, or other relevant societal indicators. The research must have demonstrably improved wellbeing. This could include:
  • Reductions in mortality or morbidity rates for specific diseases.
  • Increased access to services, particularly for underserved populations.
  • Improved behaviors through effective interventions.
  • Economic benefits (e.g., cost savings in systems).
• Innovation and Novelty: Research which showcases a novel product, service, approach, methodology, or intervention that has been applied in the market and has been, or has the potential to be, scaled or replicated in other contexts. This could include:
  • Development of new diagnostic tools or treatments.
  • Innovative approaches to health promotion or disease prevention.
  • New technologies that improve quality of life, create jobs and/or uplift communities.
  • Culturally sensitive interventions addressing specific needs within South Africa.
• Policy Influence: Demonstration of how the research aligns with policy priorities identified at provincial or national levels. The research findings should have informed or influenced policy changes at the national or provincial level, leading to improved outcomes. Examples include:
  • Research informing policy changes.
  • Studies influencing policy decisions on public health and other public good interventions.
  • Research contributing to the development of national legislation, policy or guidelines.
• **Equity and Sustainability:**Research that prioritises equity and social justice is critical. This means:
  • Addressing the needs of underserved and vulnerable populations.
  • Ensuring research findings can be applied in diverse settings across South Africa and beyond.
  • Promoting long-term benefits and sustainable impact.
• Potential for Scale-Up: The case study should demonstrate the scalability of the research findings, potentially impacting a broader population or region. This can be achieved through:
• Adapting the intervention for broader implementation.
• Developing clear dissemination strategies for research outputs.
• Building partnerships with stakeholders to facilitate scale-up.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Evidence of collaboration with diverse stakeholders who contributed to the research impact. These may include:
• External enablers: Role of and interactions with ecosystem players – e.g. collaborative research partners, funding from local/national governments and international funders, private sector, civil society, role of regulators and regulatory process, national policies that aided impact (e.g. IP policy), commercialization routes, infrastructure, manufacturing or value delivery (services/processes)
• Internal Enablers: The case study should highlight the role of university support structures and policies that facilitated the research’s translation into impact. E.g. role of Research Management Office and Technology Transfer Office and the conditions internally that allowed for impact (this could go as far as looking at institutional policies, systems etc.)
• Diversity: The case studies will aim to represent a variety of research disciplines, universities, and types of impacts.

4. Call for Submission of Qualifying Projects for Case Studies

South African Universities are invited to submit examples of research and innovation projects conducted by their institutions that could be suitable subjects for impact case studies predicated on the criteria outlined in paragraph 3 above.

5. Role of the Consultant

The APHRC wishes to appoint a qualified and experienced Consultant in case study analysis and development, for the production and dissemination of knowledge products to lead APHRC’s effort to deliver on this workstream. The Consultant will be required to perform the following tasks:

5.1 Selection of Case Studies

A Consultant in collaboration with APHRC will review submissions and select promising research projects for case study development. Selected universities will be contacted by the dedicated consultant to collaborate on developing a comprehensive case study report.

• Evaluation and selection of Case Studies: The Consultant will develop the criteria for scoring and selection of potential case studies submitted by South African universities for further analysis, development and documentation.
• **Collaboration with Universities:**If necessary, the Consultant will collaborate with the relevant research and support departments and units at South African universities to identify and select potential case studies for consideration.
• **Desktop Research:**The Consultant will conduct a literature review of published research from South African universities in relevant fields in order to identify suitable projects. This will involve searching academic databases, government reports, media articles and online resources (e.g. Databases such as ResearchGate and institutional websites of universities canbe explored by the Consultant to find relevant research projects.)
• **Expert Consultation:**The Consultant will consult with relevant experts and stakeholders to identify/further refine impactful research projects. Working with APHRC, the Consultant will further determine and implement simple criteria to review potential case studies submitted by South African universities and/or identified by the Consultant. This may include:
• Scientific merit and methodological rigor of the research.
• Potential for broader impact and scalability of the findings.
• Alignment of the research with national policy priorities and the funder’s interests.

5.2 Developing Strong Case Studies

The Consultant will identify a short list of case studies and will collaborate with the qualifying universities to conduct a detailed analysis of each case study to further elaborate on how each case study addresses the criteria set out in paragraph 3. In terms of methodology, the Consultant will use the Theory of Change framework and employ – without limitation – the following techniques:

• In-depth Interviews: The Consultant will conduct interviews with researchers and other role players and stakeholders to capture a detailed narrative of the research journey, key role players, the research outcomes, the impact of the research, and future potential.
• Data Analysis and Storytelling: The Consultant will assist with analyzing data and crafting a compelling narrative that showcases the research’s significance and impact.
• Identifying Visuals: Working with the selected universities, the Consultant will identify relevant visuals (charts, photos) to enhance the case study report.

5.2.1. Focus on Storytelling

Crafting a captivating narrative is central to a strong case study. This narrative should:

• Develop Comprehensive Case Studies documenting each project’s:
  • Research focus and objectives
  • Measurable impact on relevant areas (sector e.g. health, agriculture, inclusive financial systems; economy; society)
  • Alignment with national/provincial priorities
• Set the Stage: Introduce the challenge addressed by the research and highlight its significance for South Africa’s population.
• Describe the Research Journey: Explain the research approach, methodology, and key findings in clear and concise language.
• Showcase Innovation: Emphasize the novel aspects of the research and how it addressed existing limitations or offered new solutions.
• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify the impact of the research on societal outcomes using relevant data (e.g. surveys, statistics).
• Highlight Policy Influence: If applicable, detail how the research findings informed policy changes or national guidelines.
• Focus on Equity and Sustainability: Explain how the research addressed the needs of underserved populations and how its impact can be sustained over time.
• Showcase Potential for Scale-Up: Describe plans or ongoing efforts to scale-up the intervention and reach a wider population.

5.2.2. Data and Evidence:

Strong narratives are bolstered by robust evidence. Case studies should incorporate a combination of:

• Quantitative Data: When possible, quantify the impact of the research using data such as:
  • Reductions in mortality or morbidity rates.
  • Increased access to services (e.g. number of people reached).
  • Improved health behaviors (e.g. changes in dietary habits, vaccination rates).
  • Economic benefits (e.g. cost savings).
  • Creation of jobs.
  • Improved efficiency.
• Qualitative Data: Qualitative data can provide rich insights into the lived experiences of stakeholders. This could include:
  • Interviews with researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members impacted by the research.
  • Focus group discussions to understand perceptions and experiences.
  • Case studies of individual beneficiaries who have demonstrably benefited from the research.
• Policy Documents: Documents such as policy briefs, white papers, or government reports showcasing how research findings influenced policy decisions.

5.2.3. Engaging Visuals and Multimedia

Incorporating visuals can significantly enhance the case study’s impact and accessibility. Examples include:

• Charts and Infographics: Visualize data and trends to make complex information more easily understood by the audience.
• Photographs: Images of researchers, healthcare providers, community members, or interventions in action can personalize the narrative.
• Short Video Clips: Short videos can capture the essence of the research and its impact in a compelling way.

5.2.4. Stakeholder Testimonials

Including testimonials from key stakeholders adds credibility and authenticity to the case studies. This could include:

• Researchers: Sharing their insights into the research process and the significance of the findings.
• Policymakers: Describing how the research influenced policy decisions.
• Healthcare Providers: Highlighting how the research improved their practice or patient care.
• Community Members: Sharing their experiences and how the research impacted their health and well-being.

5.2.5. Showcase the Enabling Factors that Contributed to the Research’s Success:

• External stakeholder collaboration (research partners, funders, regulators)
• University support structures (including Research Management Offices, Technology Transfer Offices)
• Internal policies and systems promoting research impact.

6. Deliverables

• A set of four well-written, compelling case studies demonstrating impactful research and innovation from South African universities.

7. Dissemination and Advocacy Strategies

The final stage involves disseminating the case studies to a wide audience and leveraging them for advocacy and informational purposes.

7.1. Dissemination Channels:

• APHRC Website and Social Media: A dedicated webpage will be created on the APHRC website to showcase the case studies. This webpage will be promoted through social media platforms like X, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• SARIMA Website and Social Media: The case studies will be showcased on the SARIMA website, and promoted through social media platforms like X and LinkedIn
• Other channels and platforms will be discussed and agreed between the funder, APHRC and SARIMA.

7. Reporting and Communication

The Consultant will provide the case studies and periodic progress reports to APHRC as required.

8. Timeline

8.1 Submission of Case Studies: By September 30, 2024.

8.2 Recruitment of Consultant: By August 31, 2024

8.3 The case study development will be conducted in two phases. It is expected that the first two case studies will be developed by November 30, 2024 and the other two case studies will be developed by June 30, 2025.

9. Submission of Potential Research for Case Study Development

If you know of any research which aligns with the criteria above, you are encouraged to submit it to be considered for case study development. Follow the following guidelines for submitting your research:

Prepare a Short Summary (2 Pages Maximum):

• Briefly describe the research project and its objectives.
• Highlight the specific challenge the research addressed.
• Summarize the research approach and key findings.
• Explain how the research made impact and quantify this impact (if possible).
• Include any evidence of policy influence or potential for scale-up.

Provide Supporting Materials (To the Extent Applicable):

• Include relevant publications, reports, or presentations related to your research.
• Share any data (quantitative or qualitative) that demonstrates impact.
• Offer contact details for key individuals involved in the project eg researchers, funders, end-users, beneficiaries and others who played a role in ensuring that impact was achieved (including – without limitation the institutional Research Support Office).