These 5 types of impact correspond to categories under which key performance indicators, both quantitative and qualitative, are grouped.
The other component of the impact assessment framework is the impact narrative: a compelling, substantiated statement which reflects the contributions of R&I activities to society, the economy, policy and practice beyond numbers and quantitative targets.
An impact narrative must describe the societal challenge to be tackled; identify the stakeholders and beneficiaries who are positively impacted, explaining how they have experienced meaningful change; describe the situation at the start of the project vis-a-vis the goal of the assessment; describe the specific outcomes and results of the R&I activities; describe changes in behaviour, practices and policies; include real-world examples and stories; be supported by quantitative and qualitative evidence; connect the impact to broader societal goals; and provide insights into the potential future implications and opportunities resulting from the developed R&I.