Qualitative evaluation of innovation ecosystems: Example Portugal

Abstract

The design of efficient and effective innovation ecosystems is crucial to every society, particularly for addressing structural change through innovation. We developed a methodology to map the established research and innovation landscape based on responses to a qualitative questionnaire and interviews. The dimensions for assessing entities that undertake knowledge creation and technology transfer are Scientific Merit, Economic and Social Impact, and Compliance. This approach complements the conventional methodology, based on quantitative key performance indicators, also used (Wehrspohn et al, 2025). We successfully tested our methodology in the Portuguese Research & Development (R&D) system.