Abstract
Collaboration with universities and Public Research Organizations (PROs) provides a valuable contribution firms’ innovation. Specifically, PROs represent a highly valuable source of innovation for firms, as they transfer know-how about leading edge technologies. This study focuses on the measurement and evaluation of value for companies in their collaboration with PROs. Using a survey-based methodology, we analyse the benefits for firm that collaborate with the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), an Italian PRO that represent an excellence in the field of physic research. Our findings provide evidence of the multidimensional benefits for companies, which are mainly intangible and are related to the transfer of specific competencies for new products development, ability to enter new market and create alliances, reputation and social benefits, in terms of employment and training of young researchers.