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

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. • Boundary spanning research and innovation show an inverted U-shape relation. • Diverse scientific knowledge drives broader technological applications. • The scientist's academic seniority moderates the relations. • 6081 European Research Council-funded projects in different fields are analyzed. • We trace patents citing scientific publications developed by research projects.