Across disciplines, to make an impact. The technological impact of boundary-spanning research projects

IF 11.1 1区管理学 Q1 ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIAL

Technovation Pub Date : 2025-02-06 DOI:10.1016/j.technovation.2025.103184

Federico Munari, Hérica Morais Righi, Laura Toschi

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Boundary spanning research is increasing recognition among scholars and policymakers due to its potential in generating novel and breakthrough scientific contributions. However, while previous research mainly investigated its effect for the scientific domain, less is known about how boundary spanning approaches in science are related to technology transfer activities. To investigate this issue, we examine 6081 research projects in the Life Sciences, Physical & Engineering, and Social Sciences & Humanities sectors funded by the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Programme and Horizon 2020 Programme in the period 2008–2016. Our results show that boundary spanning research projects and the probability to generate technological impact through patent citations are linked through an inverted U-shape relation, thus recognizing both benefits and costs to this research approach. Moreover, as research integrates knowledge from more diverse scientific domains, its technological applications expand correspondingly across a broader range of technical fields. Finally, we show that these relations change according to the seniority of the researcher performing the scientific activity.

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来源期刊

Technovation 管理科学-工程：工业

CiteScore

15.10

自引率

11.20%

发文量

208

审稿时长

91 days

期刊介绍： The interdisciplinary journal Technovation covers various aspects of technological innovation, exploring processes, products, and social impacts. It examines innovation in both process and product realms, including social innovations like regulatory frameworks and non-economic benefits. Topics range from emerging trends and capital for development to managing technology-intensive ventures and innovation in organizations of different sizes. It also discusses organizational structures, investment strategies for science and technology enterprises, and the roles of technological innovators. Additionally, it addresses technology transfer between developing countries and innovation across enterprise, political, and economic systems.