Fostering innovation through Big Science procurement

Big Science infrastructures represent a multi-billion Euro business domain that operates at the margins of what is technically possible. In the next five years, the 11 largest Big Science organisations in Europe plan to spend nearly € 40 billion on innovative technologies. Big Science has unique needs as well as the expertise to articulate these needs to industry. As such, Big Science is well positioned to drive innovation from the demand side. This book examines how this position can be exploited to multiply the innovation impact of Big Science beyond the standard mechanisms of technology transfer. Qualitative measures of innovation impact are presented, as well as the predictors that a Big Science procurement will result in a positive innovation outcome. The most important mechanisms by which Big Science can foster innovation through procurement are identified: articulating need, engaging with the market early, nurturing relationships, sharing knowledge, providing a consolidated market and mitigating development risk.