On the idea of measuring societal impacts of research, Ellen Hazelkorn suggests:
As with any other change process, it is better to be in the tent helping to shape it, than outside looking it.
Measuring Value: Societal Benefits of Research – WorldWise – The Chronicle of Higher Education.
We at CSID agree wholeheartedly! We’ve argued as much here and here, as well as on this blog (look under the “accountability” tag).