Overview

In 2022, IM@IT carried out a comprehensive user survey to better understand the needs and areas of interest of its academic and industrial stakeholders. Over 160 responses were received from universities, research centres, SMEs, associations, foundations, research infrastructures, public agencies, and Italian ministries. This analysis provided valuable insight into user expectations and helped define future development priorities.

Building on these findings, in 2023 IM@IT launched its first Industrial Partnership Programme, offering a flexible access pathway for companies interested in carrying out experimental measurements, testing and training activities at the user facility. The programme is designed to meet the specific needs of industrial research and complements traditional academic access routes.

Objectives
The initiative aims to strengthen long-term collaborations with industry, offering a customised and adaptable access model that engages a diverse range of users — from spin-off and spin-outs to large multinational corporations. It also allows IM@IT to better assess and demonstrate the economic and societal impact of the research it supports.

Key Features

• Free beamtime access at the point of use.
• Fast-track allocation of experimental and training sessions.
• Proposal evaluation based on the potential economic benefit to Italy.
• Confidential handling of results during experiments and data analysis.
• Post-experiment flexibility, allowing companies to choose whether to publish results or maintain confidentiality.

Facilities and Impact
In line with this approach, the IM@IT network of Small Research Facilities (SRF) and Medium Range Facilities (MRF) ensures efficient, timely, and flexible access to experimental and training
resources. SRF primarily support SMEs through targeted, application-oriented projects, while the advanced capabilities and expertise of MRF serve large enterprises and research organisations, addressing complex innovation and technological development needs.

Business Goals and Industrial Access

The business mission of IM@IT is to provide academic and industrial users with specialised skills, advanced tools, and high value services, enhancing industrial competitiveness and promoting scientific excellence. Enterprises, associations, and research organisations are engaged to map the reference market, analysing user categories (by mission, ownership, and size), thematic priorities, and expected benefits.

The hybrid nature of the IM@IT research infrastructure encourages consortia formation for challenges of national relevance and facilitates the exchange of expertise and best practices in access to MRFs and SRFs. Industrial users can accelerate their R&D activities, benefiting directly from IM@IT’s scientific capabilities, fast-track services, and fully confidential consulting.

Access mechanisms include proprietary access, joint academic–industrial partnerships, and a Collaborative R&D Scheme specifically designed for industrial needs. IM@IT also maintains links with ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and the other national and Analytical Research Infrastructures in Europe, offering guidance for complementary industrial access to laser, neutron and synchrotron facilities.

Contact

For more information or to discuss collaboration and access opportunities, please contact us: industrialaccess@isismachitalia.eu