In focus big science and industry

How can Europe’s large-scale research facilities better engage with industry and, in so doing, broaden their user base while amplifying downstream socioeconomic impacts? That’s the central question informing the exclusive coverage in this CERN Courier In Focus report, whether that’s the ENRIITC consortium’s efforts to establish a pan-European network of industry liaison and contact officers or the pivotal role played by the business development office at research centres like DESY and the ESRF. Case studies in successful industry engagement at ILL offer valuable lessons for other large-scale facilities, while CERN’s unique procurement and knowledge-transfer programmes are generating increasing opportunities for European firms.