Evaluating Research Efficiency in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

A new book from the National Research Council recommends changes in how the federal government evaluates the efficiency of research at EPA and other agencies. Assessing efficiency should be considered only one part of gauging a program's quality, relevance, and effectiveness. The efficiency of research processes and that of investments should be evaluated using different approaches. Investment efficiency should examine whether an agency's R&D portfolio, including the budget, is relevant, of high quality, matches the agency's strategic plan. These evaluations require panels of experts. In contrast, process efficiency should focus on "inputs" (the people, funds, and facilities dedicated to research) and "outputs" (the services, grants, publications, monitoring, and new techniques produced by research), as well as their timelines and should be evaluated using quantitative measures. The committee recommends that the efficiency of EPA's research programs be evaluated according to the same standards used at other agencies. To ensure this, OMB should train and oversee its budget examiners so that the PART questionnaire is implemented consistently and equitably across agencies.

Summary

A book from the National Research Council that recommends changes in how the federal government evaluates the efficiency of research at EPA and other agencies. Assessing efficiency should be considered only 1 part of gauging a program's quality and effectiveness. The efficiency of research processes should be evaluated using different approaches.

Product details

• Authors: Board on Environmental Studies and Toxic, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Committee on Evaluating the Efficiency of Research and Development Programs at the U S Environmental Protection Agency, Committee on Evaluating the Efficiency of Research and Development Programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Engineering Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy Committee on Science, Committee on Science Engineering and Public Policy, Division On Earth And Life Studies, National Research Council, Policy And Global Affairs
• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 17.07.2008
• EAN: 9780309116848
• ISBN: 978-0-309-11684-8
• No. of pages: 152
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Ecology; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education