WAITRO Benchmarking

A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration

In today’s fast-evolving innovation landscape, Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs) face growing pressure to improve efficiency, align with global standards, and demonstrate impact. WAITRO’s Benchmarking Program is designed to meet this challenge empowering RTOs to evaluate and strengthen their institutional performance through data-driven insights and international peer exchange. Grounded in decades of experience and global collaboration, the WAITRO Benchmarking System goes beyond metrics. It is a dynamic platform for mutual learning, innovation, and excellence.

WAITRO
Benchmarking System

Unlike universities or private companies, RTOs operate with unique missions and structures. Traditional benchmarking tools often fail to capture these nuances. That’s why WAITRO developed an Online Benchmarking System tailored specifically to the realities of RTOs worldwide.

By joining the program, members gain:

  • Evidence-based insights to improve operational efficiency
  • Alignment of internal processes with strategic goals
  • Objective and subjective performance evaluation
  • Opportunities for peer learning across continents

“Benchmarking is a continuous systematic process whereby a comparison is made between productivity, quality and practices in your own organization and a chosen similar organization which represents excellence.”

Knud Erik Hilding-Hamann
DTI, Denmark

8 Key Process Areas

A Model Built by and for RTOs

The Benchmarking Program is built on the pioneering work of David Grier (Saskatchewan Research Council) and has evolved through global partnerships with the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), JITRI, and WAITRO’s Regional Focal Points. The system evaluates eight key Process Areas essential to RTOs:

  • RTO Governance
  • Financial Management
  • RTO Services
  • Business Development
  • Organizational Management
  • Project Management
  • Capability Building
  • Personnel Management

In addition, 13 performance indicators provide a comprehensive, comparable snapshot of institutional performance.

Milestones

Led by Moses Mengu, WAITRO launched its first Benchmarking Project. David Grier of Saskatchewan Research Council developed the original methodology, engaging over 60 RTOs worldwide through manual data collection and interviews.

David Grier enhanced the methodology through studies and workshops across the Americas, ensuring broader relevance and adaptability.

At the 23rd and 24th WAITRO General Assemblies,  members called for a revitalized benchmarking framework to support RTOs amid shifting innovation landscapes.

Knud Erik Hilding-Hamann of the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) conducted a new benchmarking study focused on how RTOs support SME innovation. This study, highly valued by participating organizations, laid the groundwork for expanding benchmarking efforts and integrating them into WAITRO’s strategic services.

The 25th WAITRO General Assembly proposed formalizing benchmarking as a regular member service and developing a digital platform—strongly endorsed by the WAITRO Alumni Network.

Under the coordination of the WAITRO Secretariat – Office China (JITRI), led by Chuqiao Dong, the methodology was fully digitized. A dedicated platform enabled over 30 RTOs globally to participate and analyze data efficiently.

Led by Yucheng Hang of the WAITRO Secretariat (JITRI), the project continues to grow. With broader international participation, dedicated workshops, and a featured session at the WAITRO Summit 2024, benchmarking is now a core service for members.

How It Works

Through an intuitive, secure online platform, participating RTOs complete a guided self-assessment:

  • 79 structured questions + 4 follow-ups
  • Anonymous peer comparison for objective benchmarking
  • Identification of best practices in each process area
  • Personalized recommendations for improvement

The tool promotes confidentiality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Global Expertise

Meet the Team

  • visite person’s profile page

    Chuqiao Dong

    National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE)

    China

  • visite person’s profile page

    Knud Erik Hilding-Hamann

    Leader of WAITRO Benchmarking Project, 2020 – 2024

    Denmark

  • visite person’s profile page

    Yucheng Hang 

    Program Support

    WAITRO Office China

  • visite person’s profile page

    David Grier

    1st Vice President 2007-2008, 2nd Vice President 2003-2006, RR North America 1998-2002

    Canada

  • visite person’s profile page

    Moses Mengu

    Senior Expert 1984-1986, Deputy Secretary General 1987-2002, RR Africa 2004-2007, RFP Europe 2011-2017

    Denmark

Benchmarking

Related News

Get Involved

Ready to Benchmark?

The WAITRO Benchmarking Project welcomes voluntary participation from RTOs worldwide. The project offers opportunities By joining, your organization can:

  • Participate in learning sessions and workshops
  • Gain insights through shared experiences with global peers
  • Contribute to the evolution of benchmarking tools

Contact Persons

  • visite person’s profile page

    Yucheng Hang 

    Program Support

    WAITRO Office China