Future potential analysis – FAQ 1 out of 10  1. What is the “future potential analysis”? 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Why has the future potential analysis been developed for selection processes in scientific research projects? Which objectives are to be achieved using the future potential analysis in the selection process? How was the future potential analysis implemented in the selection process for the impetus programme “Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise”? How does the future potential analysis work? How was the concept of the future potential analysis first used in the impetus programme “Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise”? Which experiences were made in implementing the future potential analysis in the impetus programme “Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise”? Which recommendations can be derived from initial experience with the future potential analysis in the scope of the Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise? What is the link between the future potential analysis and the promotion of women? Who has developed and applied the future potential analysis? 1. What is the “future potential analysis”? A new assessment model for the selection of scientific research projects. The future potential analysis is an innovative assessment model for the evaluation of research projects, commissioned by the Ministry of Economy. It has been developed by convelop and implemented by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). It was first used in selecting the projects in the selection process for the “Laura Bassi Centres of Expertise”. A new definition of excellence Selection processes that use a future potential analysis define new additional quality criteria of scientific excellence: as before, the main focus of the assessment is on the specialist qualification. Additionally, however, competences in the areas of management, personnel development and team leadership are introduced to the assessment catalogue. Because such skills are indispensable these days, especially in application-oriented research. In answer to current demands on the job profile of a researcher, the future potential analysis thus contributes to a new management-oriented research culture by implementing a systematic catalogue of criteria which is in line with the ongoing changes in the scientific world of work: more interdisciplinarity, more project management, more team leadership. Extended, modern criteria of excellence The additional areas of competence, as defined in the future potential analysis, are: 1. Centre management: business management, project planning and project handling skills 2. Leadership and career: competence in personnel selection, efficient personnel development and team leadership 3. Sphere management: organisational quality, relationship management and ability to cooperate, social intelligence and a talent for networking 4. Future orientation: willingness to innovate, ability to learn, ability to act and make decisions despite conflicting demands by various interest groups Applying these additional criteria of excellence means that not only the previous achievements of a researcher are assessed but also other talents and potentials that contribute to a creative and communicative research environment. __________________________ Links: 1. Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth (BMWFJ), http://www.en.bmwfj.gv.at 2. convelop cooperative knowledge design GmbH, http://www.convelop.at 3. Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), http://www.ffg.at management FFG | responsibility BMWFJ, embedded in the fFORTE initiative