Use of evaluation results in S&T and R&D: what does literature tell us?

This paper explores the use of evaluation results in Science and Technology (S&T) programs and policies, and Research and Development (R&D) through a systematic literature review. It investigates which knowledge fields have used evaluation results from 1970 to 2020, identifying four types of uses, along with theoretical, empirical, or mixed approaches, methods used, and document similarities. Using the PRISMA protocol and unsupervised data analysis, the study examines 62 studies, revealing a prevalence of studies in S&T policies and programs, with Social Sciences and Agricultural Sciences being the most common fields. An evolution from an instrumental approach focused on resource allocation to a more conceptual use related to the reflexivity of S&T and R&D activities is noted. The research primarily originates from the Northern Hemisphere, highlighting the need to systematize evaluations as valuable information sources.