4. The Influence and Implications of Public Sponsorship in Europe

This chapter delves into the significance and implications of public sponsorship for research and innovation, with a particular focus on the EU Framework Programs. It offers a comparative analysis with similar initiatives in the USA and Japan, revealing how public sponsorship shapes research and innovation collaborations in Europe. The chapter is divided into three parts: the first part presents a global landscape of public sponsorship and precursor R&D consortia worldwide. The second part presents data and results, while the third part discusses the implications of public sponsorship in the European context. The analysis highlights the historical evolution, organizational structures, and strategic impact of R&D consortia in developed countries. It also provides insights into how governments have leveraged collaborative efforts to maintain their competitive edge in the global market. The chapter focuses on R&D consortia founded from 2014 to 2020 within the recent EU framework program (Horizon 2020 and Eureka) to highlight the influence of public sponsorship and its impact on research and innovation within European consortia. The study uses a questionnaire addressed to consortium members, especially private for-profit entities, to identify the characteristics and taxonomies of EU-funded R&D consortia. The chapter concludes with a detailed overview of the influence and implications of public sponsorship in Europe, providing valuable insights for professionals in the field of research and innovation.