Technological infrastructure: a literature review of firm effects and support instruments

Abstract

This review examines the role of technology infrastructures (TIs) in supporting firms’ innovation processes, eco-nomic performance and collaboration with external knowledge actors. It explores how firms’ access to and use of TIs influence innovation outputs, economic outcomes and collaboration patterns, as well as which support instruments may facilitate access to these infrastructures. The reviewed literature suggests that TIs can create value for firms by providing access to specialised facilities, equipment, capabilities and support services that firms often cannot establish internally. The most frequently occurring evidence concerns innovation effects, as TIs enable testing, demonstration, validation and upscaling in realistic environments and help reduce technological and financial uncertainty. Evidence on direct economic effects is more limited and is often inferred from innovation mechanisms rather than measured directly. The literature also suggests that TIs may strengthen collaboration by functioning as intermediary spaces where firms access external knowledge and relevant partners. However, the effects of TIs depend on surrounding support structures, including funding models, access arrangements and governance. The current evidence base remains fragmented, with much of the literature being qualitative, case-based or policy-oriented. More studies are therefore needed to strengthen the empirical basis for evidence-based policymaking on TIs.