ABSTRACT
This chapter explores prospects for meaningful research-evaluation approaches. It concerns ways that enhanced university-research evaluations can contribute to deeper transnational-sustainable-development (TSD) outcomes and impacts in the post-2030 era. "Research for sustainable development" is understudied in the field of sustainability and higher education. Process-oriented evaluation is particularly useful for sustainable-development-research contexts that span organizational and national boundaries. Independent evaluators play an important role in critical analyses of sustainable-development outcomes. Research and problem-solving competencies also feature in learning-outcome evaluations. TSD research also should be practically and societally relevant. Further, TSD-impact assessments should include the development, synthesis, and application of indigenous and practical knowledge and ways of learning. In short, credible research is essential if people's actions and policy interventions are to move in directions favorable to sustainable development. Ultimately, therefore, the impact of sustainable-development research should be measured against whether it enhances prospects of sustainable development in the real world.
