As part of the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025–2027, this study addresses a growing policy need: to better understand how research and innovation (R&I) activities generate economic and societal value. Traditional measurement approaches have focused primarily on technology transfer, overlooking broader knowledge valorisation processes such as collaboration, standardisation, policy uptake, and citizen engagement.
CSIL led this study with the objective of developing a comprehensive and operational measurement framework for knowledge valorisation. The work responded to the need for a more holistic and harmonised approach to monitoring R&I outcomes across EU Member States and associated countries, supporting evidence-based policymaking and strengthening innovation systems.
The methodological approach combined analytical and participatory components. An initial phase involved a systematic mapping of existing indicators, datasets, and monitoring systems, including a review of European and international frameworks. This was complemented by targeted interviews with policymakers, research organisations, and industry stakeholders, as well as a comparative assessment of international practices. Particular attention was paid to identifying data gaps, inconsistencies, and limitations in current measurement approaches.
Building on this evidence base, the study developed a conceptual framework capturing multiple knowledge valorisation pathways. These include academia–industry collaboration, intellectual asset management, research-driven entrepreneurship, standardisation activities, and research-to-policy linkages. The framework was refined through stakeholder consultations and validation workshops, ensuring its relevance, feasibility, and alignment with policy needs.
The final outcome is an exploratory yet robust measurement system composed of 16 indicators and 41 metrics, designed to capture both economic and societal dimensions of value creation. The framework integrates established indicators with emerging measures derived from open data, administrative sources, and new analytical methods. It enables the systematic assessment of how research infrastructures and innovation ecosystems contribute to technological advancement, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being.