Lessons learnt on Requirement Analyses to establish new model systems: Prerequisites to assure model use towards policy outcome

The objective of the paper is to evaluate the applied non-standardised Model Requirement Analysis (MRA). Using the presented methods and results of the MRA, we discuss the suitability for appropriate ways to improve applied methods using the example of the Sustainability Impact Assessment Tools (SIAT). Special focus is given to the prerequisites of project design to assure model use towards model outcome. The applied methods of the MRA consist of evolutionary prototyping, which provides a way to structure the subsequent group discussions with end-users. The results first summarise the conducted interactions with potential end-users and evaluate the usefulness of conducting MRA for each end-user meeting. A direct outcome of the MRA is the identification of four categories of requirements for the SIAT design: (a) Spatial, time and thematic integration, (b) technical performance and system advancements, (c) quality assurance of data and model systems results and (d) organisational linkages for model system embedding. We give a number of reasons why the undertaken development process of SIAT was not sufficient for actual operational use towards outcome at the level of policy decision making. A number of recommendations and rules for stakeholder involvement and development methods are suggested in the conclusions.