Research analytics maturity model: assessing the use of research analytics within the higher education research ecosystem

The National Science Foundation National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics awarded The University of Kentucky Research Foundation $433,289 on September 15, 2026, under the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences program (CFDA 47.075) to develop a Research Analytics Maturity Assessment (RAMA) model for institutions of higher education.

The project delivers a comprehensive maturity assessment framework addressing six dimensions of research analytics: leadership, culture, governance, data, analytics, and technology. The RAMA model enables institutions to assess and enhance their research analytics capabilities using a responsible evaluation approach grounded in the SCOPE Framework for Responsible Evaluation. The work includes piloting the assessment with partner institutions, developing an implementation manual with practical tools and guidance, and creating scalable options suitable for institutions of all types and sizes. The framework draws on empirical research from maturity models in business and other fields to produce an evidence-based assessment tool designed to strengthen data-informed decision-making, research quality, and demonstration of societal impact across the higher education research ecosystem.

Performance occurs in Lexington, Kentucky, with an ultimate completion date of August 31, 2028.

Abstract

Research analytics is an emerging discipline within the research management field. Institutions of higher education are increasingly recognizing the importance of robust research analytics to inform strategic decision-making, enhance research quality and demonstrate societal impact. While there is a growing community of practitioners focused on research analytics, data-informed decision-making, competitive intelligence, and research assessment, these are often new strategies for institutions, especially emerging research institutions. This project will develop a comprehensive research analytics maturity assessment (rama) model that includes a component of responsible research evaluation. The rama framework provides institutions with a structured approach to assess and enhance their research analytics capabilities in a responsible way and illustrates promising practices in research analytics that strengthen all aspects of the research ecosystem with data-informed tools, systems, and approaches. In addition, the project will develop and disseminate strategies and a manual with practical tools and guidance for institutions to progress through the maturity model phases?creating scalable options for all types and sizes of institutions. The project will use empirical research related to maturity models in business and other fields to inform a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment tool. The assessment framework will include the six dimensions of the research analytics framework (leadership, culture, governance, data, analytics, technology). The project will pilot the assessment with a group of partner institutions using the scope framework for responsible evaluation as a theoretical framework. This framework focuses the assessments on value-led approaches which include specific context considerations, ensuring the assessments are fair, reasonable, and effective in providing actionable insights for research management. The research analytics maturity assessment model developed in this project will provide institutions of all types and sizes with a structured approach to efficiently assess and enhance their research programs and the societal impact of research funding. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.