Page 9 - Roadmap

sector and the RIs operated at research institutions and universities. RIs can only secure knowledge-sharing on solid strate-
gic foundations, that is, through openness, a management approach (having the required personal and organisational con-
ditions) and cost-effectiveness. One of the conditions for the effective operation of RIs is to find the optimal ratio between
discovery research and innovation-driven research. The former usually delivers results in the long term and is primarily
motivated by the desire for discovery, while the latter is mostly aimed at the quick solution of a problem and the commercial
exploitation of the results. The classic RIs (see: ESFRI projects, landmarks) have been and are created for basic research
purposes. Still, there are research infrastructures where technological development is also dominant. The two directions
are closely related. No major discoveries can be achieved without basic research, but of course, it is also important that the
results of research have wide socio-economic utilization.

Socio-economic effects

The most important research infrastructures address some of the most pressing global challenges, such as climate change
mitigation, efficient energy use, environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural technologies, and aging society.
These global problems also affect Hungary, so the search for solutions both challenge domestic researchers and businesses
and provide opportunities to them. In fact, these problems form part of the megatrends that will have a strong impact on
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science, technology and innovation systems over the next 10-15 years.

However, the impact of RIs is not limited to the research community. The establishment and operation of an RI, such
as the ELI project in Hungary, have considerable economic effects for the region by boosting local procurement, invest-
ments and employment. In addition to the direct economic benefits, the openness of RIs (i.e. access to them under certain
conditions) opens doors to R&D businesses, enhancing their research infrastructure and strengthening their market po-
sition.

An ELI-sized RI positively affects life in its immediate environment. It attracts top researchers from around the world
who will have higher expectations from the educational, cultural and health services and will also shape social life and
community.V

Finally, RIs have a positive effect on education: by cooperating with higher education institutions they can provide valuable
experience to students through internships and training programmes and ultimately make research careers more attractive.
The training of technical staff working in the industry or in public research institutes also helps to increase the number of
available and well-trained professionals with proper innovation and IT skills. RIs can also contribute to the training and
career orientation of students studying in public education institutions.

5 Megatrends are large-scale social, economic, political, environmental or technological changes that are slow to form but which, once they have taken root, exer-
cise a profound and lasting influence on many if not most human activities, processes and perceptions. (OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook
2016).

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