The challenge

Imec, the Leuven-based Interuniversity Microelectronics Center, is a leading research institute driving innovation in microelectronics, nanotechnology, and digital technologies. Given its scientific and technological scale, the institute plays a major role in the Flemish and Belgian economy, but quantifying its economic, technological, and societal impact is complex. Policymakers, funders, and stakeholders require robust evidence of imec’s contributions — from spin-offs and innovation ecosystems to fiscal returns and societal benefits — to inform strategy, investment decisions, and reporting. IDEA Consult has been supporting imec in meeting this challenge for over 15 years.

Approach & result

IDEA Consult’s impact assessment of IMEC combines a structured, multi-dimensional methodology with long-term expertise to provide actionable insights for both IMEC and its stakeholders. Our approach rests on four strategic pillars:

• Comprehensive Data Collection
  We gather company-specific economic and technological data, analyze patent portfolios, track spin-off activity, and assess campus developments to build a robust evidence base.
• Integrated Impact Analysis
  Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods — including case studies, interviews, and ecosystem mapping — we evaluate IMEC’s economic, technological, catalytic, and societal contributions.
• Ecosystem & Stakeholder Mapping
  We map IMEC’s innovation network, connecting universities, research centres, startups, clusters, and industry partners, to understand the institute’s role as a catalyst for regional and international innovation.
• Policy Alignment & Strategic Insights
  Our findings are linked to government priorities (e.g., Flemish Vision 2050), enabling IMEC to communicate its value, guide strategic decision-making, and support investment planning.

Through this structured, iterative approach and long-term collaboration, IDEA Consult has helped IMEC track its evolving impact, quantify and communicate its multidimensional contributions, support strategic decision-making, foster transparency, and highlight the institute’s catalytic role in strengthening innovation ecosystems, regional economic development, and societal transitions in Flanders and across Europe.