Examples of projects
Analysis of publications and patents on cancer worldwide and in France
For the Institut National du Cancer (INCa)
The OST analysed changes in the scientific and technological positioning of French cancer research over the past twenty years. The aim was to set this dynamic in the context of the various cancer plans and their strategic priorities, at the time of the launch of the ten-year strategy to fight cancer (2021-2030).
The study, which drew on a panel of cancer experts to build tailored corpora of publications and patents, sets out to characterise the various sub-sets of cancer research, distinguishing for example between basic and clinical research, or conducting more fine-grained analyses (by organ, for example). It clarifies the dynamics of research in terms of topics and the positioning of the main producing countries.
French publications cited in breakthrough patents
For La Fabrique de l’Industrie
Noting the loss of technological mastery by European countries over several breakthrough innovations — notably those linked to the energy transition — La Fabrique de l'industrie wanted to take a closer look at this diagnosis, to assess whether this fragility also affects the scientific sources of these innovations. In particular, the aim was to identify the main countries contributing to the global stock of knowledge transferred to market in each technological field.
The analysis carried out by the OST sheds light on the influence of science on emerging technologies, clarifies the relationships between science and technology, and identifies the countries that contribute most to the knowledge drawn on in breakthrough patents. It resulted in twelve thematic reports, which formed the basis for the book published by La Fabrique de l'industrie in 2025.
Scientific, technological and clinical impacts of university hospital institutes
For the Secrétariat général pour l'investissement (SGPI)
launched a call for proposals to create university hospital institutes (IHU) as part of the “investments for the future” programme. These institutes aim to develop translational research for the direct benefit of patients, bringing together researchers, healthcare staff and companies on a single site around a single clinical theme (infectious diseases, rare diseases, diseases of the nervous system, etc.).
The IHUs pursue objectives of scientific excellence, international appeal, multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation transfer. At the end of 2023, the Secrétariat général pour l'investissement (SGPI) entrusted Hcéres and the OST with evaluating the impact of the six IHUs designated in 2011, as well as the FOReSIGHT IHU designated in 2019.
As part of this, the OST analysed each institute's activity, its evolution and its scientific, technological and clinical impacts. The work is based on a review of publications, patents arising from research activities, and clinical trials conducted from their creation up to 2022. It also takes into account the links between publications, patents and clinical trials in order to identify the direct and indirect impacts of the IHUs.
Cybersecurity: analysis of publications and patents worldwide
For the Secrétariat général pour l'investissement (SGPI)
As part of the preparation of the Grand Défi devoted to cybersecurity under the France plan, the Secrétariat général pour l'investissement (SGPI) asked the OST to analyse how research in this field has evolved. The aim was to identify emerging topics and position the main French actors in the international context.
The study was carried out in conjunction with a working group bringing together experts from the SGPI and ANSSI, in order to define the method for building the corpora of publications and patents, and then to analyse the results. It maps the various research and innovation sub-topics and identifies the main players in cybersecurity.
Local bibliometric indicators
For the Agence d’urbanisme de la région nantaise (AURAN)
To better understand the specific features of its local research system, the Métropole de Nantes, through its urban planning agency, teamed up with the OST to analyse the Nantes scientific landscape. The aim is to shed light on its scale, areas of specialisation, collaboration dynamics and the role of local actors.
The report offers a detailed reading of these dimensions over time, highlighting major changes and structuring strengths. It thus provides a clear overview of the dynamism, structure and composition of the Nantes research system, providing support for local strategies on higher education, research and innovation.
If you have a question about our studies, our methods or specific needs, contact the OST at : ost.contact@hceres.fr