Evaluation of JTI's R&D Activities 2005–2008 - Formas

Preface
The ongoing debate on the role of bio-fuel production in the increase in
food prices and thus the emerging food crisis in poor countries, clearly
stresses the decisive role of agriculture in sustainable global development.
How could agriculture produce the required goods and services in an
effective and sustainable way? Knowledge based on excellent and relevant
research is urgently needed.
The evaluation of JTI, the Swedish Institute of Agricultural
and Environmental Engineering, presented below is an
important means of analysing whether the joint research
investment by Formas and the private sector is used in the
best possible way. The purpose of the evaluation was to scrutinize
the scientific quality and the societal relevance of the
research activities.
We are happy to note that the evaluation acknowledges some
important strengths of JTI, e.g the relevance of its research,
the highly appreciated dissemination activities and the frequent
participation in international networks and projects.
On the other hand the evaluation notes a negative trend in the
extent of scientific publication. This may in the long run pose
a threat for the organisation in terms of the quality assurance
of research results and thus the credibility of the organisation.
We expect JTI to find ways to change this trend.
Under the spending budget of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Formas has earmarked money for research co-funded with
the private sector. Formas has an agreement for the years
2005 – 2008 with private stakeholders organised in the Swedish
Foundation for Agricultural and Environmental Engineering
Research (SJMF) to fund equally 50 percent, i.e. 6.1 MSEK
each, of the research framework programme of JTI.
Part of Formas responsibility is to evaluate the research funded
by the council. According to the agreement between Formas
and SJMF, the research under the present framework programme
period should be assessed prior to the negotiations
for the coming period.
Rolf Annerberg
Director General
Formas
Bengt Persson
Chairman of Board
SJMF
Evaluation of JTI’s R&D Activities 2005–2008
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