Guidance and Best Practices for European Centres of Excellence in High Performance Computing Aiming to Build Their Commercialisation Capabilities

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Centres of Excellence (CoEs) are central to the European Union’s strategy for scientific excellence and technological sovereignty. Initially created to enhance computing research capabilities across domains such as climate, health, energy, and engineering, CoEs are now aiming to develop beyond research-focused consortia to drive commercial impact of their results and ensure potential long-term CoE self-sustainability.

To do this effectively, CoEs must develop as customer-focused service providers that offer well-defined value propositions tailored to various stakeholders, including researchers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises. This requires the identification and transformation of Key Exploitable Results (KERs) into market-ready outcomes and the development of targeted services based on software platforms, consulting, or training. The maturity of these services must be evaluated using frameworks like Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), while commercialisation strategies should take into account intellectual property management, pricing, legal frameworks, and customer relationships. Building a successful innovation and commercialisation ecosystem around the CoE will require instruments such as the Business Model Canvas and will rely on the skills and commitment of individuals engaged in business development, marketing, and legal operations, along with the formation of strategic alliances and support from external advisors. CoEs have the potential to serve as powerful catalysts for innovation, providing a unified scientific and economic benefit throughout Europe.

This paper presents best practices, tools and strategic insights to help CoEs develop and build their innovation and commercial capabilities and is the first step in establishing solutions for CoE sustainability based on replicable models for commercialisation of CoE results. The information is designed for CoE coordinators, innovation managers, business developers, and policymakers who support applied innovation in European research and is relevant to anyone participating in IT-relevant Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs).

DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.28093.58083

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