In partnership with Technopolis, we conducted the evaluation and strategic analysis for ICOS. This observatory measures CO₂ levels across the Atlantic Ocean, on land, and in the atmosphere around as well as over the European continent. Additionally, they host all data and standardize the measurements and metadata. This provides scientists with a uniform and global dataset to assess the state of the Earth.
The evaluation covered the development of the institute from its start in 2012 to 2017, focusing particularly on its impact on the scientific community. Has the data truly improved? Is there less overlap and competition, and more collaboration? Are better measurement instruments being developed? To answer these questions, we used interviews, workshops, surveys, and literature analyses.
We then developed recommendations to enhance the ICOS community and increase ICOS’s influence in this politically sensitive field. The recommendations were warmly received and have been incorporated into the institute’s strategy since December 2018.