Research assessment as an institutional lever for sustainable development: aligning research incentives with societal goals

Abstract

Research assessment is often viewed as a technical process for evaluating research performance. However, assessment systems also function as institutional mechanisms that shape incentives, influence researcher behaviour and help determine which activities are recognized and rewarded within the research ecosystem. This opinion piece argues that research assessment should be understood as an institutional lever for sustainable development. While quantitative indicators such as publications, citations and grant income have facilitated large‑scale evaluation, an over‑reliance on such measures can narrow research agendas and under‑recognize activities that contribute to openness, collaboration, integrity and societal impact. Drawing on contemporary discussions surrounding research assessment reform, including initiatives such as the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, the Leiden Manifesto and the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment, this article contends that reforming assessment is not merely an administrative exercise but an opportunity to better align research incentives with societal needs. By recognizing a broader range of research contributions, assessment systems can help create conditions that support trustworthy, inclusive and impactful research. In doing so, they may strengthen the contribution of research systems to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the broader public good.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Insights the UKSG journal, 2026 · DOI ↗