The Economics of Big Science 2.0 : Essays by Leading Scientists and Policymakers

Abstract

The second volume of open access essays builds upon the success of the initial installment, "The Economics of Big Science (© 2021, 978-3-030-52390-9, Open Access book as well)," delving deeper into the tangible socio-economic value generated by fundamental science missions and elucidating the various ways in which this benefit is realized. This collection showcases contributions that stem from socio-economic impact studies conducted on the activities of Research Infrastructures. These studies were presented and discussed by the authors during a dedicated session on the "Economics of Big Science" at the headquarters of the European Space Agency (ESA) in Paris in May 2023, organized by EIROforum. The authors, affiliated with prominent universities, research centers, and international research organizations, actively contribute to an international collaborative effort. Their aim is to develop strategies and policies that ensure fundamental scientific research in Europe translates into tangible and sustainable societal and economic benefits. This volume is intended to be a valuable resource for policymakers, funding agencies, scientists, and academics across diverse domains. It serves as a comprehensive reference for the evidence of socio-economic impact stemming from fundamental scientific research within Open Science, Research, and Innovation environments. Moreover, it equips stakeholders with evidence supporting the effectiveness of impact analysis and facilitates the design of best practices in this regard.