RISIS outputs at three international events in May and June 2026
Researchers associated with RISIS contributed to the international debate on science, technology and innovation policy through three conference papers presented at major events in Italy and Europe in May and June 2026. Their contributions explored how network analysis can help explain the evolution of innovation ecosystems, the territorial distribution of emerging technologies, and the relationships between universities and firms.
The three papers highlight the potential of computational and network-based approaches to generate new evidence for research and innovation policy.
Mapping territorial inequalities in the hydrogen transition
At CS2Italy 2026 The Italian Conference on Computational Social Science, held in Turin on 19–21 May, Antonio Zinilli, Angela Zanoni and Emanuela Reale presented “Bridging the Hydrogen Divide: How Network Evolution Reveals Future Territorial Imbalances in Europe.”
The paper investigates the evolution of European research and development collaborations in the hydrogen sector, examining how innovation networks develop over time and how their structure may influence regional participation in the green transition. The analysis highlights the risk that collaboration networks become increasingly concentrated around already well-connected regions, potentially reinforcing existing territorial inequalities in innovation capacity.
The findings underline the importance of network-sensitive policy interventions that encourage broader regional participation and more balanced collaboration opportunities. The research also demonstrates the value of computational social science for addressing complex challenges at the intersection of technological innovation, energy transition and territorial development.
More information: CS2Italy 2026
University-start-up collaboration and policy implications
On 28–29 May, at the second edition of the workshop “Advances in Spatial and Network Modelling for Policy Making”, hosted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Seville, Antonio Zinilli, Massimiliano Guerini and Roberto Camerani presented “University–Start-up Collaboration Using a Multiplex Network Approach: Evidence for Policy.”
The contribution examines university-start-up relationships through a multiplex network perspective, offering a framework for understanding the different dimensions of collaboration between academic institutions and entrepreneurial actors. By considering the structure of these connections, the research seeks to inform policy discussions on knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and the development of innovation ecosystems.
The paper illustrates how network modelling can support the identification of collaboration patterns and provide evidence to inform policies aimed at strengthening links between research organisations and emerging businesses.
More information: Workshop programme and details
Understanding university-firm linkages through multiple knowledge channels
At the EU-SPRI Annual Conference 2026, held in Valencia, Spain, on 10–12 June, Antonio Zinilli, Massimiliano Guerini and Roberto Camerani presented “Understanding University-Firm Linkages Through Multiplex Bipartite Networks: Evidence from R&D Projects, Publications and Patents.”
The paper investigates university-firm relationships by examining three complementary channels of knowledge exchange: joint research and development projects, scientific publications and patents. Using a multiplex bipartite network approach, the study provides a way to analyse how universities and firms interact across different forms of research collaboration and knowledge production.
This perspective can help researchers and policymakers better understand the complexity of university-industry relationships, identify patterns of knowledge exchange and assess the implications for science and innovation policy.
The contribution aligns with the conference’s broader theme, “Questioning the Contributions of Science and Innovation to Society,” by examining the relationships through which research and innovation generate economic and societal value.
More information: EU-SPRI Annual Conference 2026
Advancing evidence-based science and innovation policy
Taken together, these contributions demonstrate the relevance of network analysis for understanding innovation systems at different levels, from emerging technological sectors and regional collaboration patterns to university–start-up and university-firm relationships.
By investigating how actors connect, collaborate and exchange knowledge, RISIS-related research contributes to the development of analytical approaches that can support evidence-based policymaking and a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping European research and innovation ecosystems.
