Departmental evaluation plan 2025-26 to 2029‑30

2024-25 highlights

Completed evaluations

• National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) IP Assist
• The NRC's international strategy
• Horizontal evaluations (not led by the NRC):
  • Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan
  • Youth Employment Strategy

Evaluations informed decision-making

• Clients confirmed that evaluations addressed important questions
• Evaluations provided evidence to support strategic or operational decisions
• The quality and timing of evaluation products met client needs
• Clients gained insights and provided feedback throughout the evaluation process

Leadership in practice

• Community engagement: Participated in the 2024 Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) national conference and 2024 annual learning event, delivering 6 presentations.
• Professional development: Supported the organization of the 2024 CES Student Case Competition, 2024 CES national conference and Credentialed Evaluator designation process.
• Impact measurement: Implemented the NRC's impact framework and tools, including the client impact survey, with the Performance Measurement and Accountability Reporting (PMAR) team.
• Advisory role: Trusted advisor to NRC research centres, branches and IRAP, including providing guidance on reviews, analytical and reporting processes to the National Program Office and others.

Continuous improvement

• Piloted impact pathways and impact case studies
• Piloted and implemented new:
  • staff career path development
  • calibration methods
  • earlier client engagement
  • approaches to more extensively considering federal priorities in evaluations
• Continued exploration of the NRC's AI Zone and participated in the Microsoft 365 Copilot trial
• Engaged in the federal community of practice for artificial intelligence (AI) and related training

Priorities and actions for 2025-26

Evaluations in process

• Clean Energy Innovation Research Centre
• Construction Research Centre
• Digital Technologies Research Centre
• Medical Devices Research Centre

Upcoming evaluations

• Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre
• Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre

Other key activities

• Harmonizing with upcoming Treasury Board (TB) Policy and Directive on Results changes and new central initiatives
• Renewing the NRC's performance information profile and advancing its impact framework and tools with PMAR

Planned evaluation resources

Financial resources (2025-26 budget)

Human resources

• 12.0 evaluation staff
• 1.5 Director General Office (full-time equivalents)

The NRC's evaluation function

What we do

• Deliver evaluations and advisory services supporting the NRC's mandate
• Serve as a trusted advisor by providing independent, timely insights on performance and strategic direction
• Deliver evaluations in accordance with professional standards and TB Policy on Results

How we do it

• Focus on priorities and strive to add value
• Optimise the use of resources and innovate
• Look for ways to reduce burden on research centres, branches and NRC IRAP, as well as on external stakeholders
• Prioritize employee well-being through work life-balance, recognition and advancement

Developed in collaboration with the NRC's Senior Executive Committee, this plan aligns with the Government of Canada's Policy on Results and the Financial Administration Act. It also adheres to Treasury Board Secretariat commitments, considering program spending, risks, needs and priorities.