The unused potential of process tracing as evaluation approach: The case of cluster policy evaluation

Author:

Rothgang Michael1ORCID,Lageman Bernhard1

Affiliation:

1. RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, Germany

Abstract

This article shows that process tracing developed in social science research can be used in evaluations of complex structural and technology policy programmes to overcome deficits in the methodological instruments used to date. Cluster policies are a well-suited example because they are characterized by complex impact patterns like many other current structural and innovation policy programmes. The origin and characteristics of the methodological approach of process tracing are discussed and weaknesses of impact evaluations of cluster programmes highlighted. Subsequently, we look at the potentials of process tracing in impact evaluations of cluster programmes within the framework of mixed-method designs. Our analysis shows that process tracing can enrich the applied methodological repertoire. It allows the evaluators to test the accuracy of the theoretical assumptions underlying the analysed programme and to identify causal mechanisms.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Sociology and Political Science,Development

Reference48 articles.

1. American Evaluation Association (2015) Evaluating outcomes of publicly-funded research, technology and development programs: Recommendations for improving current practice (Version 1.0). Report, February. Research, Technology and Development Evaluation Topical Interest Group of the American Evaluation Association (AEA). Available at: www.eval.org (accessed 21 January 2020).

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