Analysis of public research institutes in Europe in selected S&T fields Historical evolution and future scenarios - Metrology

This report reflects on the past and possible future of public metrology research institutes in the European Research Area (ERA). Metrology was one of six thematic areas, which were chosen as the focus of a European study to analyse the historical evolution and future scenarios for public research institutes in Europe in selected S&T fields. This report was presented as a part of the European Commission funded study to DG Research in 2009, contract number S106-12999 FORESIGHT-200702 Lot 2. The overall aim of the project was to provide a basis for informing EU and national-level policies about the role of public research institutes in the development of the European Research Area (ERA). It is clear that for the ERA to become a reality and a success, aspects of Europe’s public research institute system will need to be tuned towards effectiveness and efficiency at the European level, in addition to the national level. The study looked at the past and potential future of research institutes in Europe. It focused on institutes in six fields, one of which is metrology, and aimed to provide a broad level of analysis that can improve understanding of the institutes and underpin policymaking in the institute sector.