Impact assessment Project IDOLS*

Figure above is made by Project IDOLS*

Within the IDOLS* program, complex societal challenges were tackled in an innovative and creative way. This is often referred to as ‘social innovation’. Ten consortia, consisting of on the one hand problem owners and on the other hand contractors from the cultural and creative industries, were supported for about one year to collectively tackle a societal challenge. This support consisted of financial support, coaching by an experienced social innovator, and events in which learning experiences were shared.

The study that we performed provides insights into how the IDOLS* program contributed to the most important goal of the program: the expansion of work opportunities for the cultural and creative industries. In addition, the study was aimed at gaining insights into how the program and the projects that were executed within the program, contribute to continuous social innovation. The research approach consisted of seventeen in-depth interviews with coaches and secretaries of all ten executed projects, the formulation of a value-framework to assess the positive impact of the ten projects, and a questionnaire which was completed by 50 respondents.

The impact analysis of the IDOLS* program looks at relationships, learning, and possible other professional value that comes from participating in IDOLS*.

Many of the findings of this study consider the optimization of learning experiences. Participants embarked on a learning journey about the shaping of roles, their own role within social innovation, collaboration in multi-stakeholder projects, and the creative process. Aspects of the IDOLS* program that contribute to learning are: to participate in a project with many different project members, the support of a coach, and participating in events that stimulated peer-learning. Potential for further deepening of learning experiences can be found in stimulating more diversity and collaboration within consortia, actively engaging problem owners in the projects and the learning community, and stimulating learning between projects, not just within projects.

An indicator for positive impact is that more than half of the responding problem owners indicate that they consider hiring the cultural and creative industries more often. The societal impact of the projects could not be assessed. However, the learning goals in relation to collaboration and finding a role within social innovation, as well the strengthened relationships and networks within IDOLS*, will contribute positively to future social innovation project and programs, and as a result to continuous social innovation. In addition, it was not only found that learning outcomes and new relationships are of importance, but also – and in this case particularly – the energy and motivation that was generated within the projects. This is a very valuable outcome from the perspective of continuous social innovation.

Find the complete research report on www.projectidols.nl/rapportage-onderzoek-tu-delft/