Attracting Serendipity: the Impact of Investment at the Science/Technology Interface in Fundamental Physics Research Infrastructures

A socio-economic study, the Comparative Analysis of Socio-Economic Impact (CASEIA), developed an analytical framework and methodology for better understanding the socio-economic impact of ATTRACT. Case study analysis aimed to better understand how the support offered through ATTRACT phase 1 has led to impacts such as strengthened innovation ecosystems, commercial applications of innovation, skills development, and broader social goods. The analysis of socio-economic impact leads to conclusions and recommendations in three broad areas. The first area is that of routes to impact, including the roles of RIs and businesses, the role of open innovation, and impacts that fall beyond innovation. The second area is that of technological serendipity, and the efforts of ATTRACT to systematise mechanisms that may support it. Finally, we reflect on CASEIA as a pilot study, and consider its potential contribution to research at the science/technology interface, and make methodological recommendations for ATTRACT’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts.