FET-Proactive


FP7: STUDIES in FET

Assessing the impact of long term research can be a challenge. History is full of inventions, such as the laser and the integrated circuit, which have had an impact that could impossibly be foreseen at the time they were invented. At the same time it is crucial for purpose driven research to assess the impact that has been achieved. The outcome of such an exercise can for example support choices regarding the (dis)continuation of support for existing research areas, or coordination/dissemination actions. It can also strengthen the case for reducing the fragmentation of European research.

FET Projects pose a further challenge as they span across the ICT domain. Appreciating the impact they have on science, technology, society and so forth, requires making an effort to understand the peculiarities of each area. This relates for example to traditions around publishing, attention from media or industry, or the way new ideas find their way into mainstream research and development.

FET commissioned a study to develop a methodology that is general and flexible enough to be applied to different clusters of FET projects, and to test this on the areas of Quantum ICT and Neuro/Bio-based ICT. The contract was awarded to TNO (Netherlands), working together with the University of Leiden, Technopolis, and VDI Technologiezentrum.

The reports are below, both in condensed form and as the full report.
If you have any feedback, write to Wide Hogenhout

REPORT:  Impact of FET Research Initiatives (IFETRI)