Rethinking Impact: Applying Altmetrics to Southern African Research

Abstract

A fundamental concern for institutions around the world is maximising the efectiveness and efficiency of their investment in delivering their mission; this is perhaps most acutely the case for institutions in the developing world that are forced to balance challenging social responsiveness agendas with the rigours of the increasingly competitive global higher education environment. This is often expressed as a concern to maximise the "impact" of funded research, where impact is intended to mean the e!ects of research beyond the research community. This might include influence on policy, improvements in health and living standards, cultural enrichment, or an improved environment. The emphasis on di!erent forms of impact (and the framework by which that impact is assessed and rewarded) should depend on the goals and mission of the institution.