Ex-ante economic evaluation of agricultural research in New Zealand – a conceptual framework

Abstract

Returns to agricultural research are of significant interest to funding bodies and research administrators. Ex-ante economic analyses have increasingly formed part of decision-making process of allocating funds to agricultural research proposals. Ex-ante analyses are required to present economic rankings to governments and funding agencies for comparing the impact of agricultural research proposals. Although important, there is no consistent guidelines for scientists and practitioners to follow in New Zealand. The study aims to develop a conceptual framework for agricultural research projects in understanding, assessing, planning and managing relevant issues in ex-ante evaluation of impacts.