Emergent Evaluation in Pioneering Research-Practice Partnerships: Insights from the First RPP in France

• In Event: Are There Stages to This? The Case For (and Against) Research-Practice Partnership Developmental Trajectories

Abstract

Objectives | This study explores the emergent evaluation of research-practice partnerships (RPPs) in France, where the initial focus was on creating the first RPPs in the French context rather than evaluating them. Ten RPPs were established after one year, and the primary concern shifted to their sustainability. The objectives were twofold: (1) to examine whether an evaluative approach was adopted retrospectively and why, and (2) to identify implicit indicators of success, such as the number of RPPs created and their longevity.

Theoretical framework | We draw on Henrick et al.’s (2017) five dimensions of RPP effectiveness as foundational lenses for retrospective analysis: building trust, rigorous research, supporting practice goals, producing broader knowledge, and capacity building. This is extended by Farrell et al.’s (2023) updated indicators emphasizing equity, inclusivity, and sustainability in RPP health. Soland et al.’s (2024) evidence-centered design for RPP measurement informs our emergent approach, viewing evaluation not as pre-planned but as adaptive to partnership phases (e.g., formation vs. maturation). These frameworks highlight RPPs as developmental, with evaluation evolving from creation metrics to long-term impact.

Method | Given the absence of formal evaluation at inception, this study employed a descriptive, longitudinal approach to track two key indicators: (1) the number of RPPs created in the first year and (2) the number remaining active in the second year. We added a mixed-methods review: (1) scoring each RPP on the Five-Dimensions rubric during a collaborative workshop (researchers + practitioners, n = 34), (2) semi-structured interviews with 12 lead participants and, (3) document analysis of meetings and project outputs. The process functioned both as formative evaluation and capacity-building exercise. Data were analyzed using axial and open coding (Corbin & Strauss, 2015). MaxQda software (Verbi Software Company, Berlin) captured codes as categories and properties were assigned along dimensions to investigate participants’ experiences. This mixed-method approach aligns with the participatory, evidence-centered design principles highlighted in Farrell et al. (2024).

Substantiated conclusions | The findings suggest (1) a developmental trajectory: Descriptive patterns across the ten cases suggest a two-phase trajectory: initiation (focused on mutual trust, quick-win projects, minimal metrics) followed by consolidation (articulation of shared research agenda and emergence of formal research questions), (2) phase-specific evaluation questions: Our data confirm that early-phase RPPs are best served by simple, partnership-centred indicators (creation, engagement, perceived value), whereas later phases warrant questions about knowledge utilisation, practice change and equity impact (mapped onto Dimensions 3–5 of the Henrick framework) and, (3) sustainability drivers: Continued activity after two years correlated strongly with explicit time for joint work aligned to institutional goals - underscoring the importance of capacity-building (Dimension 5) as an evaluative lens even when impact studies are premature.

Significance | This study represents the first documented RPP efforts in France, contributing to the global discourse on RPPs. By adopting an emergent perspective, it challenges the assumption that evaluation must precede action, demonstrating how implicit indicators can guide reflective practice: “start small, watch what matters, then deepen inquiry”. These insights are particularly relevant for nascent partnerships navigating tensions between structured evaluation and organic growth.

Author

• Denis Pasco, University of Franche-Comté