There is growing interest in fostering the utilization of research within the Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA). In a new report, which was initiated by the SHAPE taskforce and funded by the Innotech group of Danish Universities, CFA has conducted a scoping study of existing knowledge on stock and characteristics of, and processes, incentives and obstacles for, commercialization of SSHA research.

The study finds for example that commercialization of SSHA research is more embedded in the researchers’ intangible personal knowledge, making researchers’ expertise and personal involvement essential for commercialization of their research. Furthermore, there is a wide spectrum of SSHA-based ventures and firms emerging from Danish SSHA, which are not always characterized by profit-seeking commercial activities

In order to strengthen the utilization of SSHA research, the report recommends building and expanding knowledge and skills in SSHA research commercialization through networks and diffusion of good practices, and to create more flexible funding opportunities for SSHA research commercialization.