Using data for strategic Decision Making
Leveraging Data for Institutional Strategies: from reports to decision making
Abstract
An important function of Research Management services is recording institutional metrics, updating and maintaining institutional databases and preparing reports for different stakeholders. When combined with data available in national portals and external databases like SciVal and Dimensions, institutional data can be used for several different strategic purposes. At the George Institute for Global Health, India, our research management team is exploring the value of utilizing external datasets for generating strategic insights.
This new initiative focuses on two primary objectives. First, we aim to map our research portfolio to the national research priorities set by the Government of India. By applying keyword mapping, we can assess how closely our current projects align with these priorities. Second, we use publication data from SciVal, along with its associated metadata, as a proxy for our existing capacity in key research areas for the institution. This will allow us to benchmark our performance against both national and international institutions, providing insights into how our research compares across disciplines and where we stand in relation to other organizations in the field. Importantly, the analysis will also provide a foundation for identifying new opportunities in emerging fields for expanding research programs in the short, medium, and long term.
The presentation will focus on the methods used for the analysis and also highlight some key insights and ways we in which we are incorporating them in institutional reporting and strategy design.
By linking research management with institutional strategy development, this initiative extends the scope of traditional research management functions. It also highlights a clear career progression pathway for research managers, as their role evolves to include strategic decision-making and leadership responsibilities, positioning them for leadership roles as the field of research management grows.