Ex-post impact evaluation PEER program

The retrospective impact evaluation of the first five cycles of the PEER programming adopts a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis of survey and bibliometric data utilized a quasi-experimental matching methodology. We find that the program had an effect on: researchers’ career development, level of respect from colleagues, ability to purchase equipment, and capability to support a few students deeply. Qualitative findings show there were programmatic and policy effects—ranging from local level practices to curriculum changes, opportunities for student learning, and involving local and national policymakers in research. However, in the analysis of quantitative data, we did not detect hypothesized impact on: publication output, production of technology, funding, program, or policy outcomes. In fact, we observe a negative relationship between participation in the PEER program and production of technology and patents. We explore the implications of positive, negative, and null findings. We recommend linking PEER grants with a country’s development strategies with local Missions’ support in selecting, coordinating, and overseeing PEER researchers and sharing research results.