The culture of evaluation

We all know how difficult aestimare ingenium is. An evaluation process implies judgment, subjective appreciation - this is not achieved by sheer number extraction from quantitative criteria.

The attraction for algorithmic criteria reduced to numerical expressions has roots in simple motivations: an alleged intention to shield the evaluation from manipulations and patronages, and the fear of taking on responsibilities (it’s not my fault, it’s the algorithm’s; it’s not an opinion, it’s an inevitable result of the universal order).

As we know in engineering, simplifications help understand the essences, and the numbers are the computable expression of reality. Therefore, we must not take refuge in the standing of those who think that “all has to do with everything” and that “measuring is betraying”. We agree with the old saying: “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”.

We will not argue here the process of evaluation of R&D Units that the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) has decided to promote, as the opinions are justifiably diverse. What we praise is the fact that there is an evaluation, the fact that it can be a natural and internalised mechanism of the national system.

At INESC TEC, the process, regardless of the results, had very positive spillover effects. Because we are undergoing an internal restructuring process, to provide appropriate and swift answers to our growth and geographical dispersion, the FCT evaluation also contributed to a more demanding and deeper consideration. And for that alone we should be pleased.

This evaluation has also catalysed an event with surprising effects: an exhibition of our Centres’ activity in the form of 52 posters. It had the flavour of a congress. Beyond a successful exercise with the evaluation process as target, one met the environment, the dialogue, the mutual discovery, the awe before the spectacle of our reality: a dimension that surpasses all obstacles found daily. All these were factors that encouraged, exhilarated and enlivened those who were present.

The INESC TEC Forum was born.