Professor Riccardo Crescenzi from LSE’s Department of Geography and Environment has been awarded a major government grant to explore how Big Science has the potential to drive social and economic transformation.
Professor Crescenzi’s project Big Science Beyond Science: The Innovation Impact of Research Infrastructure Procurement focuses on the broader economic impacts of investments in research infrastructures (RIs) by tracking the "paper trail" of their procurement activities.
While traditional innovation studies often focus on patents to trace knowledge flows, Professor Crescenzi’s project argues that, for RIs committed to open science, procurement contracts serve as a more pertinent indicator of innovation spillovers and foster close collaborations between RI staff and suppliers.
Furthermore, the project investigates whether the benefits extend beyond the boundaries of the contracted firms and how RI contracts differ from conventional public procurement or other innovation policy tools. By addressing these questions, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of how large-scale scientific investments can generate significant, wide-ranging socio-economic benefits.
Commenting on the grant, Professor Riccardo Crescenzi said: "I’m truly honoured to receive this grant—it marks a significant milestone for our research on the economic impacts of large-scale research infrastructures. This support empowers us to delve deeper into how procurement activities can spark innovation and drive local economic growth.
“I’m delighted to work on this project alongside LSE Researcher Gabriele Piazza, and I couldn’t ask for a better environment than the London School of Economics, where cutting-edge research on innovation thrives.
“Our enduring collaboration with CERN further enriches our work, reaffirming the broader societal benefits of investing in transformative scientific projects. I look forward to uncovering insights that can help shape future innovation policy."
Professor Crescenzi will discuss the benefits of Big Science with Mark Thomson, the Director-General Designate of CERN at an event at LSE on 3 March.
For more information about the grant, please visit the government website.
For information about Professor Crescenzi’s project, please visit the LSE Impact blog.