Exploring research institutes: Structures, functioning and typology

Research institutes play an important role as part of the innovation landscape, which includes industrial, academic and governmental organisations. Although there is often much confusion over what constitutes an institute and there can even be a number of different terms associated with such organisational forms, including centres, networks, programmes and laboratories. Indeed institutes can enable multidisciplinary research and the translation of knowledge generated to deliver societal benefits and address industrial requirements. However, despite the benefits offered by establishing research institutes, there has been a distinct lack of studies in this area. Therefore, this paper provides the findings from an initial research study into the structure, functioning and typology of institutes. Following a literature review on institutes, a benchmarking study involving examination of 25 research institutes associated with the energy sector has been carried out. This study identified key features of the institutes, in regard to the research area, technology readiness level, funding, partners, organisational structure, leadership and governance arrangements. Subsequent analysis of these findings has resulted in three main types of institute being identified. The pros and cons for each institute type are provided along with recommendations on the development and management of research institutes.