The transition from research and development to commercialization presents challenges, often called the “valley of death”, where innovations struggle to find practical applications or market viability. Addressing these challenges requires a deeper understanding of the factors that facilitate successful commercialization. Thus, the study of how entrepreneurial mindsets, diversity in research teams, and open innovation processes contribute to the commercialization success of breakthrough technologies has gained importance in recent years.
ATTRACT phase 2 aims to support research, development, and innovation projects in overcoming these challenges by investigating the key factors that enhance the chances of commercialization. The ATTRACT-EMDOI project, under this initiative, focuses on entrepreneurial mindsets, diversity in research teams, and open innovation practices. Within ATTRACT phase 1, many research projects involved university and research institution partners who may lack experience or training in commercialization. Understanding how an entrepreneurial mindset affects the success of these projects is an essential aspect of the study.
Diversity in research teams is a priority within the Horizon 2020 program. ATTRACT.EMDOI analyzes whether the researchers and innovators working in the ATTRACT phase 2 projects consider the diversity of human beings (i.e., they explicitly include a diverse set of end-users and needs in their research and innovation activities). The study also examines how the consideration of the diversity of human beings influences innovation outcomes like commercialization and contributes to the broader innovation ecosystem.
Open innovation practices represent another key focus. ATTRACT projects require the implementation of innovation ecosystem concepts, linking various organizations. Scientific co-creation processes often involve external stakeholders, including other project groups and the public. The effectiveness of the knowledge and information sharing between the organizations taking part in these ecosystems is analyzed to assess their impact on the commercialization of breakthrough technologies.
ATTRACT-EMDOI emerged in 2019 at the conclusion of ATTRACT phase 1 from a workshop raising questions about how to measure the socioeconomic and societal impact of research projects. This led to the investigation undertaken in ATTRACT phase 2, emphasizing entrepreneurial mindsets, diversity, and open innovation as key enablers of innovation success.
“Our results highlight that entrepreneurial, diversity and inter-organizational knowledge sharing mindset entail beneficial outcomes, both in terms of research as well as in commercialization dimensions. Yet we also find that especially scientists and first-time innovators with a strong academic background frequently lack these mindsets. We therefore call upon both, research and funding institutions to provide pathways for not only financing technology transfer activities and providing logistical support but also offering training dedicated to raising entrepreneurial mindset, the consideration of the diversity of human beings and inter-organizational knowledge sharing among their research staff”, commented Gernot Pruschak, Lecturer at Bern University of Applied Sciences and part of the ATTRACT-EMDOI research team.
In short, ATTRACT-EMDOI explores how diverse perspectives can enhance technological advancements, business success, and societal impact. Findings indicate that open innovation practices can compensate for the lower entrepreneurial mindset typically observed in academic researchers. Furthermore, the study recommends that policymakers and funding bodies revise their requirements to prioritize the inclusion of end-users in the research and development process. It also suggests ensuring full financial security up to the prototype development stage to enhance the commercial viability and societal impact of academic innovations.
It should be noted that the project is coordinated by the Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland in partnership with the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands, which was chosen due to its expertise in diversity and responsible research and innovation.
Here you can watch a video of the ATTRACT.EMDOI project:
For additional information about the project, visit here.
