Trends in Collaborative Research in Italy–the Role of Public Laboratories and Policy Implications

Abstract

Through the findings of a set of case studies of public research laboratories in Italy, this paper examines the extent to which the political objective of improved integration of public scientific research into the social system in Italy has been achieved. Two findings are highlighted: (1) the objective has only partially been achieved because of barriers within the public institution responsible for the management of these research programmes (especially the culturally defensive position of the academic community against the development of closer and stronger links with industry); (2) there is a continuing conflict between the priorities of the quality and the transferability of research. In practice, the degree of success in the transfer of results seems to be dependent on the particular mix of professional competencies, collaborations with external researchers, and the quality of the links with industry in the laboratory conducting the research programme. The authors consider the ways in which (and the extents to which) laboratories are adapting their working methods in the context of the need to achieve better relationships with industry. They also examine the degree of success in transferring research results into commercial applications. In conclusion, they suggest policy measures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public-sector research programmes.