The effect of publicly co-funded industry-science collaboration on scientific production

Competitive industry-science collaboration programs encourage academic scientists to co-develop innovation projects with firms. These programs combine attributes of competitive research funding and science commercialization policies. Because they demand more time and effort than traditional science funding, and may push applicants toward projects with higher commercial potential, the question arises whether they come at the expense of scientific productivity or alter the direction of research. Using data from a large-scale, cross-country R&D policy, we find no evidence of negative impacts on science. On the contrary, our analysis shows an increase in joint scientific publications with industrial partners, while the overall direction of research remains unchanged. • We study if collaboration programs affect science output or direction. • We evaluate the EU flagship program Eurostars. • Participation increases joint publications with industrial partners. • Scientific productivity is not negatively affected. • Research direction remains unchanged despite firm involvement.