research
Leveraging academic knowledge in the innovation ecosystem
- Publication date
- 1 February 2018
- Publisher
- Scientific advancement and advancements in information technology have
increased our capability for sharing information, and spreading scientific
discoveries throughout society. In the past decade the Dutch government has
been trying to stimulate the knowledge economy through various means. Among
them the stimulation of the founding of the Dutch Centres for Entrepreneurship,
and the Valorisation programme. However, over the years, publication volume
has become the main indicator for being a successful scientist. This focus on
publications and research disincentivizes scientists from activities that generate
more concrete value for society.
The Societal Impact Value Cycle seeks to offer scientists and others a toolbox
for visualising and understanding the way innovation can be fostered, and how
other processes can foster scientific research in return. It also maps the way by
which an innovation ecosystem generates socio-economic value from academic
activities. It should be noted that not all scientific research leads to innovations
that generate value for society, and not all research is intended to change the
course of events. Nonetheless, fostering cooperation between research institutes
and societal stakeholders, and increasing awareness of how entrepreneurial
skills and activities could not only lead to a return on investments necessary for
scientific advancement, but also increase the societal impact from academic
endeavours. This could benefit our society, and societies worldwide, both socially
and economically.
This publication will offer valuable insight and an effective toolbox for people
interested in socio-economic value creation from scientific research, or, in other
words, valorisation. Therewith, it lays at the heart of Stichting Maatschappij en
Onderneming’s daily occupations and our close cooperation with the Erasmus
University Rotterdam.