Impact Framework for Transforming STEAM Education: A Multi-Level Approach to Evidence-Based Reform

This paper presents the development of an Impact Framework for STEAM education created as part of a project to support systemic, evidence-based reform. The framework was derived from an extensive synthesis of data collected through policy mapping, national and European strategy reviews, comparative case studies, and three stakeholder consultations with educators, industry representatives, and policymakers. The analysis used thematic synthesis, root cause analysis, and impact mapping to link the identified challenges with their causes, proposed actions, and measurable indicators. The resulting framework is organised into four interconnected domains: Policy and Governance, Institutional Conditions and Infrastructure, Educator Competence and Resources, and Collaboration Ecosystem, each linked to specific stakeholders, proposed solutions, and anticipated benefits. By consolidating diverse evidence into a coherent logic chain, the framework provides a practical and adaptable tool for guiding reforms that strengthen the coherence, inclusivity, and sustainability of STEAM education across various contexts.