1. Benchmarking of Energy related Research Organisations in Central Asia
Gorazd Weiss
Centre for Social Innovation, Austria

2. Contents Involved institutions Methodological framework
Implementation process
Results

3. IncoNET CA BENCHMARKING EXERCISE:
Timeframe: November 2014 – October 2015
4 leading research institutes => one from each CA country (KG, KZ, TJ, UZ) one Societal Challenge = Energy were benchmarked according to the international STI standards
Participating Institutions:
Kazakh Research Institute of power engineering named after Sh. Ch. Chokin, Kazakhstan
Institute of Water Problems and Hydro Power of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic
Center for Innovative Development of Science and New Technologies, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan
Physical-Technical Institute, SPA “Physics-Sun”, Uzbekistan

4. Methodlogical and logistical support
Involved in the process
4 RTOs
Representatives
Methodlogical and logistical support
Senior Country correspondents
Expert team

5. Involved institutions
Methodological framework
Implementation process
Results

6. Definitions
Benchmarking is a process of learning from good practices of other comparable organisations (e.g. from other countries) to improve the own performance (and competitiveness).
SWOT based benchmarking is just one first step within a longer learning process. It is based upon the assessment of the external evaluators. The SWOT based review will come up with lessons to be learnt and recommendations.

7. Topic and Objective The topic is
to benchmark RTOs in Central Asian countries active in the field of energy research (relative to the specific framework conditions)
The objective is
to stimulate learning by reflecting the assessment of external reviewers and by exchanging good practices how to increase the performance of RTOs working in the field of energy research in several aspects

8. Purpose
to have a critical external reflection with recommendations (legitimatization)
to identify internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats (SWOT) to be better prepared for decision-making
to learn from other’s good practices’

9. Set of Benchmarks Mission, Strategy and Planning
Staff and Staff Management
Funding and Funding Opportunities
Intellectual Property
Buildings and Facilities
Health and Safety
Communication
Publications

10. Involved institutions
Methodological framework
Implementation process
Results

11. Implementation process
Step 1: Planning
What are the comparative activities and organisations
Understanding the practices behind the performance
What benchmarks we want to obtain for which practices and performance
Kick off meeting
Step 2: Data collection
Defining purpose of data collection (which are useful)
Collection of primary or secondary data
Quantitative and qualitative data – RTOs report
Site visits to RTOs
Step 3: Analysis
Understanding the differences of performance
Step 4: Learning and change
Learning why there are differences
Learning how improvement can take place
Identifying actions necessary for change

12. Involved institutions
Methodological framework
Implementation process
Results

13. Results
Output:
RTOs receive a confidential report for the own organisation
The agreed comparative report (publishable) to show identified successful practice
Outcome:
Information source for the organisations involved that can support the better functioning of the organisations also with regard to better ERA integration or link up to European research organisations in the field of "Energy".
Impacts:
Better performance of the research organisations in EU funding actions
Potential uptake of the methodology used for a group of research organisation in other research fields in the CA region

14. Challenges Identification of organisations Flexible Peers
Organisation´s “Readiness” for changes as RTOs
Strategic direction of change and possible pathways of development
Actors of change (inside/outside)
Communication: Clearness of benefit for the organisation

15. Thank you for your attention!
CONTACTS:
Gorazd Weiss, ZSI
Felix Martin Gajdusek, ZSI

17. SWOT Analysis
for the organisation
for the organisation

18. Representatives of 4 RTOs
Mr. Marat Koshumbayev, Kazakh Research Institute of power engineering named after Sh. Ch. Chokin, Kazakhstan
Mr. Rysbek Satylkanov and Asanov Baktybek , Institute of Water Problems and Hydro Power of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic
Mr. Kholiknazar Kuchakshoev, Center for Innovative Development of Science and New Technologies, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan
Mr. Jasurjon Akhatov, Physical-Technical Institute, SPA “Physics-Sun”, Uzbekistan
Senior Country Correspondents (IncoNet CA partners)
Ms. Kamila Magzieva, Independent Expert Consulting Board to Promote Scientific Research Activity in Kazakhstan (InExCB-Kz) (Kazakhstan)
Ms. Jyldyz K. Bakashova, Director of the National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic
Ms. Durdona Komilova, Indo-Uzbek Centre for promotion of Scientific and technological cooperation, Uzbekistan
Mr. Ilolov Mamadsho, Center for Innovative Development of Science and New Technologies, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan

19. Expert Team Generalists:
Mr. George Bonas, Managing Director, Centre for Regional and International STI Studies and Support (Team Leader), IncoNET CA Scientific Coordinator, Greece
Mr. Gorazd Weiss, Senior Project Manager, Centre for Social Innovation Methodological Support, Austria (Task Leader)
Energy Research Experts:
Mr. Andreas Ziolek, Managing Director with support of Mr Florian Moerger, Project Manager, ee energy engineers GmbH, TÜV NORD GROUP, Germany
Mr. Mariusz Walkowiak, Head of the Department of Advanced Materials, Institute of Non-ferrous Metals Division in Poznan,Central Laboratory of Batteries and Cells, Poland

20. Facilitating Institutional Learning
RTOs receive a confidential report for the own organisation
The agreed comparative report (publishable) to show identified successful practice
Organisation´s “Readiness” for changes
Strategic direction of change and possible pathways of development
Actors of change (inside/outside)
Communication: Clearness of benefit for the organisation