We are proud to announce that METU Design Factory, an interdisciplinary R&D center operating under Middle East Technical University, has been selected for funding by the European Union to lead a pioneering initiative aimed at developing and piloting qualitative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for research assessment in the creative industries.
The project will be implemented under the umbrella of METU Crea, focusing on three rapidly evolving creative sectors: new-generation filmmaking, game development, and wearable technologies. Leveraging the applied research capacity of METU Design Factory and its expertise in creative ecosystems, the initiative aims to establish a scalable and responsible model for evaluating creative research outputs.
In line with the principles of the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA), the project centers on qualitative evaluation methods, supported by the careful use of quantitative indicators. Through stakeholder workshops and collaborations with experts from Türkiye and various European countries, KPIs will be defined to reflect innovation, societal impact, and creative excellence.
These indicators will be tested through pilot implementations in selected research projects within METU Crea, accompanied by comprehensive training programs for researchers and evaluators. The project will also draw on methodologies and insights developed by CoARA working groups, contributing to the transformation of research assessment systems across Europe.
With the strong institutional support of METU and its academic community of over 2,500 faculty members, METU Design Factory continues to play an active role in shaping inclusive, impact-driven, and forward-looking research environments.