This study developed a conceptually and empirically sound model to capture the social effects caused by subsidy programmes to advance mobility research. The empirically validated model, including a definition of indicators and methods to be used, contributes not only to the conceptually underdeveloped question of how to capture social effects of research and innovation programmes, but is also able to draw lessons for future programme designs. This is especially true for mobility research, but it is also possible to derive learnings for RTDI programmes in general.