Available and accessible test sites and equipment are crucial for developing new technologies and making them usable products and services. We can`t do this alone; collaboration across borders is more important than ever. Therefore, we are happy to present a study by Ocean Autonomy Cluster (and an incredible NTNU student, Frida Hesby Lunder) this year, partly funded by Trøndelag fylkeskommune.

To uncover the business model, we analyzed 59 European testbeds. To begin with, we looked at who owned and operated the testbed and classified each testbed into one of two categories: public or private. Furthermore, we examined whether it was for-profit or non-profit, whether and what services/products were provided, who the testbed was available to, and whether the testbed received any funding or assistance.

Additionally, to get a more complete understanding of how some European testbeds structure their business model, we conducted two in-depth interviews. This allowed us to understand better how individual testbeds play into regional test areas and their importance for regional innovation. The first case, Innovamare, presents an example of how a cluster network can establish a profitable testbed platform of real-world testbeds. Meanwhile, the second case, The Coastal and Ocean Basin, exemplifies how an artificially built testbed owned by local research institutions can play an essential role in regional innovation and technology development.

Fill out the form to the right to get the report. You will receive an email with a download link.