Construction of a balanced scorecard-based performance evaluation indicator system for research management in key biomedical research laboratories: An observational study

The need for robust performance evaluation frameworks in research laboratories has become increasingly critical. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive system for key biomedical research laboratories. To construct a scientifically validated and comprehensive performance evaluation indicator system for research management in key biomedical research laboratories based on the balanced scorecard framework. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating literature review, Delphi expert consultation (n = 17), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The initial indicator framework was developed through systematic literature analysis and refined through 2 rounds of Delphi consultation. The AHP method was used to determine indicator weights. Consistency was assessed using Kendall coefficient of concordance (W) and consistency ratio. The final evaluation system comprises 4 primary indicators (financial, customer/service, internal process, learning and growth), 12 secondary indicators, and 28 tertiary indicators. Expert consensus was achieved with W = 0.812 (P < .001) after 2 Delphi rounds. The AHP analysis yielded weights of 0.245 for internal process, 0.232 for learning and growth, 0.278 for financial, and 0.245 for customer/service perspectives. The consistency ratio (= 0.089) indicated acceptable consistency. The developed balanced scorecard-based performance evaluation system provides a comprehensive and balanced framework for assessing research management in key medical laboratories, emphasizing strategic orientation and sustainable development.