An Experimental Approach to Industrial Policy Evaluation: The case of Creative Credits

Hasan Bakhshi (), John Edwards (), Stephen Roper, Judy Scully (), Duncan Shaw (), Lorraine Morley () and Nicola Rathbone ()
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Hasan Bakhshi: Nesta
John Edwards: Aston University Business School
Judy Scully: Aston University Business School
Duncan Shaw: Warwick University Business School
Lorraine Morley: Warwick University Business School
Nicola Rathbone: Aston University Business School

No 4, Research Papers from Enterprise Research Centre

Abstract: Experimental methods of policy evaluation are well-established in social policy and development economics but are rare in industrial and innovation policy. In this paper we consider the arguments for applying experimental methods to industrial policy measures, and propose an experimental policy evaluation approach (which we call RCT+). This combines the randomised assignment of firms to treatment and control groups with a longitudinal data collection strategy incorporating quantitative and qualitative data (so-called mixed methods). The RCT+ approach is designed to provide a causative rather than purely summative evaluation, i.e. to assess both ‘whether’ and ‘how’ programme outcomes are achieved. We test the RCT+ approach in an evaluation of Creative Credits – a UK business-to-business innovation voucher initiative intended to promote new innovation partnerships between SMEs and creative service providers. The results suggest the potential value of experimental approaches to industrial policy evaluation, and the benefits of mixed methods and longitudinal data collection in industrial policy evaluations.

Keywords: evaluation; experimental; industrial policy; innovation; creative; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D04 D83 Z18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 39 pages
Date: 2013-06-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp, nep-hme and nep-ino
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