How to Measure the Local Economic Impact of Large Research Infrastructure Procurement

Abstract

While Research Infrastructure (RIs) are designed to address complex scientific questions, their capacity to generate visible economic benefits remains of fundamental importance to the countries that fund them. This chapter introduces a framework to conceptualise, identify and estimate the local economic effects of RI procurement, beyond the boundaries of RI suppliers. The evidence produced with the application of the proposed methodology can be used to showcase the potential economic returns of various RIs. This framework also underscores the importance of connections between local firms and the mediating role of local factors.