Collaborative technological innovation in an academic, user-oriented Big Science facility

Abstract

The innovation systems framework enables a view of innovation as a process involving different actors in different constellations, but it has nonetheless most often been paired with quantitatively oriented studies of patents, licences and spin-offs. In this article, the authors use two cases of technological innovation at an academically organized but user-oriented research facility for experiments in a variety of natural science disciplines. They analyse the academic organization of the lab and its durable and symbiotic relationship with its user community and commercial firms in relevant technological areas to show that technological innovation with scientific as well as commercial relevance can take place in constellations where trust and mutual benefit have replaced formalized practices such as patenting. The article contributes to our understanding of how contemporary Big Science is organized and how it can support technology transfer and the commercialization of research and technologies.