Output and impact

Scientific research may produce new information about the phenomena investigated and the way they work, new research tools and methods, skilled and competent people for the needs of the labour market, and information to facilitate political decision-making. The way that the results of research can be used depend on various channels and mechanisms.

The impacts and benefits of research are many and varied, they take effect over different periods of time and they are predominantly indirect. They may be scientific, technological, economic and societal; the latter may be social, cultural or political.