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It is important to me that my research is used by policymakers or entrepreneurs and that they benefit from it.

Closing the gulf between scientists and entrepreneurs

Frank van Rijnsoever studies under what conditions it is attractive for scientists and entrepreneurs to work together.

Entrepreneurs are key to innovation

The background to the research is the insight that scientists transfer knowledge to society, but entrepreneurs are the true key to innovation. Frank: “they each have different priorities: for a scientist the publication of academical articles is important, while an entrepreneur's focus is on the continued success of their business.” What is needed to bring these parties together so that they can strengthen each other?

Creating practical applications of academic knowledge for entrepreneurs

Frank van Rijnsoever is looking to design a model in which academic knowledge can benefit entrepreneurs practically or financially, and which entrepreneurs would be willing to invest in understanding this academic knowledge. His specific focus is the field of environmental technology.

Serious game

At an individual level, Frank explores the aspects that motivate people to work together, such as financial stimuli and tax benefits. Apart from a questionnaire, he uses a serious game in his research, as it is by no means certain that how people behave in practice corresponds to what they write in a questionnaire.

Social recognition

Frank considers his research a success if it is not only recognised as important in the academic world, but also in wider society. “It is important to me that my research is used by policymakers or entrepreneurs and that they benefit from it.”

Dr Frank van Rijnsoever is Assistant Professor of Innovation, Environmental and Energy Sciences. In July 2012, he received a Veni grant worth 250,000 euros.