Open Innovation in Science (OIS) models as a mechanism for bolstering collaboration between European research infrastructures and industry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/cfasr.v16i4.163286Keywords:
Open Innovation in Science, Research collaboration, Research infrastructure, Commercialisation, Pre-competitive researchAbstract
Europe’s investment in cutting-edge Research Infrastructures (RIs) is critical to maintaining scientific leadership and tackling major societal challenges. However, these investments do not automatically translate into innovation. Strengthening collaboration between RIs and industry is essential to unlocking the full value of RIs, but persistent barriers – including lengthy IP negotiations, bureaucratic hurdles, and cultural divides – often hinder effective engagement.
This exploratory study examines whether the Danish Open Innovation in Science (OIS) model – an IP-free, pre-competitive collaboration framework – could serve as a productive tool for enhancing RI-industry collaboration across Europe. Drawing on a literature review and interviews with selected stakeholders, the study identifies clear potential for OIS to complement existing mechanisms by offering low-friction entry points for industry engagement. The OIS model can also be seen as part of a toolkit of approaches that promotes openness in RI-industry collaboration.
The Danish OIS platforms ODIN and Plant2Food have demonstrated that the OIS model lowers transaction costs, supports trust-based co-creation, and attracts a diverse mix of industry partners—from large firms to R&D-intensive startups. However, sectoral, national, and organizational contexts matter, and flexibility in how openness is implemented is key.
The report recommends exploring the potential of OIS-inspired models in selected RIs, with a focus on problem-oriented, low-TRL research areas where RIs and industry stand to benefit from shared knowledge, methods and tools. Pilot initiatives could be considered to further explore the catalytic role that OIS could play in fostering faster, more open, and more impactful innovation from European research infrastructures.
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