Approaches to Enhance the Efficiency of Core Research Facility

The article presents approaches to enhance the efficiency of multi-user mode of access to research facilities, research methodologies and to scientific and technical human resources in research and education organizations. Core Shared Research Facility (CSRF), which integrate organization’s methodological, human and material resources to provide R&D services, are considered as organizational forms of the multi-user mode of access. The article focuses on the approaches used by CSRF and their back-up organizations to compensate low demand for innovation from economic agents; lack of funds for scientific equipment maintenance; in-house conflicts resulting from contradictions between a linear organizational structure and the project approach. The abovementioned problems are responsible for the decreasing effectiveness of Core research facilities while their resource capacity is growing. The “response” of CSRF to the problems consists in finding an exceptional market niche and in raising operational effectiveness. The first CSRF competitiveness factor is based on the comprehensiveness of services achieved through integration of all the types of resources – up-to-date research methodologies, experience of scientific and technical personnel, present-date equipment. A unique position against competitors and clients enables CSRF to carve out its’ own niche in the sphere of intellectual services and to establish an association link between itself and successful solution of specific R&D tasks. The second CSRF competitiveness factor, i. e. high operational effectiveness, is based on the optimization of general types of activities by means of finding new approaches to their execution, which relieve operational problems. The concluding part presents suggestions as to how to disseminate the examined approaches to the enhancing the efficiency of multi-user research facilities and the government support, and thus to transform CSRF into substantial entry points for engaging research organizations into innovation and manufacturing processes on the territory of the Russian Federation