A new open-access paper published in Regional Studies examines how formative evaluation can strengthen the transformative capacity of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) by supporting policy processes aligned with Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP). The paper, Supporting transformation in Smart Specialisation Strategies: the role of formative evaluation, is authored by Alejandra Boni, Míriam Acebillo-Baqué, Diana Velasco, Jordi Molas-Gallart and Tatiana Fernández-Sirera.
The article draws on a longitudinal participatory case study of Catalonia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3CAT) between 2020 and 2024. It examines the role of formative evaluation across different stages of the policy process, including agenda-setting, policy formulation, legitimation, implementation, monitoring and learning. According to the authors, the findings show that formative evaluation supports more inclusive, reflexive and adaptive policymaking, and that evaluation and learning can function as embedded elements of challenge-driven regional innovation strategies rather than activities carried out only after implementation.
The paper situates its analysis within debates on Transformative Innovation Policy and Smart Specialisation, arguing that formative evaluation can contribute to the directionality and learning processes needed to support transformation. It also presents what the authors describe as the first documented application of the Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium’s formative evaluation approach in a regional Smart Specialisation context.
The publication forms part of the Regional Studies special collection Cities and regions in transformation: sub-national frontiers of transformative innovation policy and contributes to ongoing discussions on how regional innovation policies can better address complex societal challenges.