In 2018, Science-Metrix was mandated by the Centre de Recherche Informatique de Montréal (CRIM) to conduct an impact study of the Centre. The study aimed to complement periodic evaluations of CRIM undertaken by the Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation of Quebec (MESI). Science-Metrix’s study therefore took a more qualitative approach, using qualitative methods together with a bibliometric portrait to focus on some distinctive elements of CRIM and highlighting certain benefits that are difficult to quantify.

Science-Metrix prepared descriptive narratives of CRIM’s impacts to depict how the Centre’s activities have helped various organizations and companies to progress in their R&D efforts, in particular to improve their ability to innovate or accelerate the transfer of knowledge and technology. Science-Metrix also examined the scientific outreach of CRIM, notably CRIM’s publication and international competition activities.

Three methods were used in the data collection phase of this project. An outcome harvesting process led to 13 interviews with key partners that provided data as input for writing rich narratives, which pinpointed the impacts and contribution of CRIM’s interventions. A bibliometric analysis examined CRIM’s production and scientific impact, the evolution of its scientific performance over time, its scientific collaborations, and the citation of CRIM publications by patents—this last to obtain a partial measure of the Centre’s participation in technology transfer activities. Visualizations of collaborative networks related to two major CRIM research cyberinfrastructure initiatives were also prepared, to illustrate the local and international reach of CRIM’s work as well as the diversity of the stakeholders involved.

As of July 2021, the final report is no longer available on the client’s website. An archive of the summary page, available in French only, can be accessed here.

About CRIM

CRIM is an applied research and expertise centre in information technology, dedicated to making organizations more effective and competitive through the development of innovative technology and the transfer of leading-edge know-how, while contributing to scientific advancement. It has its own staff of researchers and professionals dedicated to carrying out research and development (R&D) projects. CRIM receives a grant from the MESI, which covers approximately 50% of its annual funding. The other half of CRIM’s funding comes from self-generated revenue from its activities, mainly through the completion of R&D projects on behalf of its clients.