Article in Scientometrics: Impact assessment of a support programme of science-based emerging technologies
The 2019 article by Ulrich Schmoch, Bernd Beckert, and Petra Schaper-Rinkel published in Scientometrics provides a comprehensive evaluation of „Future Emerging Technologies“ (FET) support programmes, which are designed to fund use-inspired basic research
Ulrich Schmoch, Bernd Beckert & Petra Schaper-Rinkel, Impact assessment of a support programme of science-based emerging technologies, Volume 118, pages 1141–1161, (2019), https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-018-03002-x
Abstract
The impact assessment of support programmes of science-based emerging technologies requires the analysis of several dimensions of performance, as these programmes refer to used-inspired basic research which is linked to basic research as well as to technological application. Bibliometric analysis proves to be a useful tool for capturing different aspects of performance. In the specific programme “future emerging technologies”, interdisciplinarity turns out to be crucial for achieving excellent and creative outcomes. Furthermore, the orientation on risky projects yields some excellent results, but few failures.
Crucial Role of Interdisciplinarity: Analysis showed that projects with high interdisciplinary collaboration were the most effective, producing excellent and creative outcomes.
High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy: The study found that focusing on risky, frontier research projects (a key aspect of FET) yields outstanding breakthroughs, while the high risk of failure was minimal, suggesting high efficiency in the selection process.
Assessment Methodology: Bibliometric analysis was validated as a highly effective tool for capturing the multi-dimensional performance of these programs, which bridge the gap between basic research and technological application.
Programme Scope: The research was largely based on the FET Open and FET Proactive schemes within the EU FET program.
This study was part of the „FET Traces“ project, which sought to identify the direct and indirect impacts of these funding mechanisms on the research landscape.