Abstract Due to the predominantly intangible and long-term nature of benefits generated by research in the humanities and the social sciences (HSS), researchers in these fields face even greater pressure than those working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to demonstrate the benefits of their work. This study proposes a model to evaluate the scientific, social, and political benefits of HSS across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons. Contributions benefits identified through a systematic literature review and eight experts’ opinions, classifying outputs, outcomes, and impacts at individual, institutional, and society levels. An indicator framework (by systematic literature review) was developed and validated by experts using Content Validity Ratio (CVR) method. In our study, 35 experts evaluated the indicators, and the minimum acceptable CVR for this panel size is 0.31. To quantify benefits, a formula integrating the weights and values of the indicators was applied and validated in three case studies. Indicator weights were determined using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) with input from 12 experts, and indicator values were adjusted based on changes observed over the past two decades according to beneficiaries’ feedback. The model provides dual benefits: researchers can demonstrate and communicate the tangible and intangible value of their work, while policymakers can design evidence-based, problem-oriented strategies that enhance the societal relevance of research, support cultural and economic development, and guide public policy decisions.
Khosroshahi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.