The Italian path to the evaluation of the Third Mission

The impact evaluation and the public value of SSH in Italy is linked to the national history of evaluation activity starting with the first Research Quality Assessment exercise. In particular, the National Agency for the Evaluation of University and Research Systems, has moved from a perspective based on output to a perspective based on process. SSH sectors (schools, faculties, departments) are now asked to play an increasingly entrepreneurial role, involving networking and collaboration, as well as sustainability and social engagement. This chapter reconstructs the Italian academic debate by identifying the current motivations, incentives and barriers for SSH researchers creating public value for society. Particular attention will be given to the legitimation problems created by the regulatory vacuum in the Italian institutional design related to applied research and technology transfer.