From scientific experiments to innovation: Impact pathways of a Synchrotron Light Facility

Gelsomina Catalano, Gaston García López, Alejandro Sánchez and Silvia Vignetti

Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, 2021, vol. 92, issue 3, 447-472

Abstract: Research infrastructures are commonly used by scientific and industrial communities to conduct research and experiments which translate in the creation of new knowledge. This knowledge may generate different outcomes (e.g., publications, patents) and find applications in different sectors and domains, ultimately triggering innovation developments. However, the pathway from knowledge creation to innovation is complex: it is split among different players, from the scientific community to industrial actors (even those not directly involved in the experiments) and may take time and significant investments. The objective of this paper is to assess innovation impacts arising from a Research Infrastructure and specifically tracing and describing the pathways according to which these impacts may materialize. The example used is the ALBA Synchrotron Light source facility located in Barcelona and in operation since 2012. The paper builds on the evidence collected through two surveys to direct and indirect users of ALBA (overall 384 questionnaires collected), in‐depth interviews as well as an analysis of patents’ citations. It draws from a pilot exercise carried out in the framework of the Horizon 2020 Ri‐Paths project. It contributes to the broader discussion on the socio‐economic impact assessment of Research Infrastructures and relevant methodologies and metrics.

Date: 2021
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