A partnership model for technology transfer
Partnerships with industry are the foundation of the CNRS technology transfer policy. Links with industrial groups, some longstanding, are expanding rapidly in parallel with economic growth, and are facilitated by multiple forms of collaboration. This diversity has yielded an original model based on the shared construction of innovation.
Numerous research contracts with industry
Scientific collaboration between CNRS laboratories and companies is governed by contracts. Thousands of collaborative research agreements are signed each year with companies, SMEs, and multinationals. They involve the joint completion of science programmes that produce deliverables. Longstanding and close relations with large companies lead to the signing of framework agreements.
The CNRS also finalises five-year framework agreements with multinationals to structure the overall collaboration between industry and CNRS laboratories in various fields. The 21 framework agreements currently in force with groups including Total, Safran, Solvay, EDF, Essilor, Thales, and Groupe PSA testify to this system’s value for the business world.
Researchers innovate with industrial actors (in French)
Whether in the fields of innovative green chemistry, medicine, or mathematics, a number of CNRS Medal of Innovation laureates embody the potential of public-private research partnerships in pushing back scientific boundaries and developing innovation.
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Joint laboratories with industry
More than 130 CNRS/industry joint research structures offer a highly integrated model for research in partnership with business. The number of such structures has rocketed. They include small and medium-sized companies as well as multinationals, and are part of medium-to-long term joint governance and scientific programmes. They can take a number of forms: joint laboratories and research units, both in France and abroad, OpenLabs, and LabComs from the French National Research Agency (ANR) for SMEs. This type of collaboration is prevalent in engineering and systems sciences, and chemistry.
Testimonials
Companies
" As part of the Japan-based LINK international joint unit, Saint-Gobain is exploring future avenues with the best scientists in the field, testing technologies, and developing its skills. "
Research
« The quality criteria provided by industry enables us to concentrate more quickly on the essentials. Industrial pressure actually prompts us to further our fundamental research. »
Technological platforms serving innovation
The technological platforms provided by the CNRS and its partners give business and scientific communities access to cutting-edge infrastructures as part of research contracts, partnerships, or external services.
L’institut FEMTO-ST à Besançon est le principal laboratoire français en sciences de l'ingénieur avec plus de 700 chercheurs et doctorants. Il dispose de plusieurs plateformes technologiques dont Mimento, une centrale de micro et nanotechnologies.© Cyril Frésillon / CNRS Photothèque
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A think tank with industry
The CNRS’s partner company network promotes exchanges and reinforces high-level dialogue with socioeconomic actors. It meets to discuss issues such as start-ups, the role of industry in France, and international development. Partners contribute to innovation support programmes, serve on the Medal of Innovation jury, and are associated with important scientific cultural events such as the CNRS Forums “What Remains to be Discovered?” and “HSS Innovatives”, as well as the “NanoCar Race” and “My thesis in 180 seconds” contest.
