Significant impact of the Einstein Telescope on technological acceleration in Flanders

From 12,142 job-years and an annual 0.22% productivity growth, that could be the yield of the Einstein Telescope for Flanders. This is evident from a study by Econopolis commissioned by Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele and POM Limburg. The conclusion is clear: The Einstein Telescope is an opportunity for Flanders that has not occurred in the past and is unlikely to present itself again in the coming decades.

Econopolis was commissioned by the Flemish government and POM Limburg to map out the economic impact of the big science project, the Einstein Telescope. Econopolis is a financial knowledge house led by economist Geert Noels. We can summarize the conclusions under four major categories: productivity, job-years, ecosystem, and the talent pool.

Productivity
According to an estimate in this study, the Einstein Telescope could generate 0.22% Flemish productivity growth at its peak, or as much as a fifth of the growth needed to offset aging. The number of doctoral students and patents would also increase. In absolute terms, this means that the productivity gain from the project could amount to 1.509 billion euros for Flanders. In the base scenario, it is still 637 million euros. This added value is realized by companies directly involved in the investment, companies in the supply chain, and the value generated by the consumption spending of employees directly or indirectly involved in the project.

Job-years
Another key finding of the study is that the Einstein Telescope can provide 5,021 to 12,142 job-years. The difference depends on the degree of assertiveness in innovation and knowledge efforts. According to the study, Flanders would account for 2,691 job-years in the construction phase of the Einstein Telescope, and even 6,687 if this is accompanied by an advanced valorization strategy. It is also assumed that the Einstein Telescope will be operational for at least 50 years. The operational phase of 30 years will therefore contribute at least 2,330 and up to 5,455 job-years for Flanders. For the entire Euregio, this is many times higher, plus the jobs that will arise from spin-offs, attracted companies, or additional tourism.

Ecosystem
What the study also reveals is that this Big Science project has significant ecosystemic effects. A whole range of high-tech knowledge institutions, spin-offs, startups, and other businesses will emerge in the region. In addition, a Big Science project like the Einstein Telescope also has a unique attraction for STEM students and profiles. But the serendipity must not be forgotten: the unforeseen discoveries and innovations that arise from research whose outcomes cannot be predicted in advance.

What after the Einstein Telescope?
Econopolis also studied the impact of CERN on researchers after their careers at the research center. They mostly transition to the private sector. As many as 45% of employees move to industry, 29% end up at universities, and 15% go to other sectors. This evolution is favorable for the region around CERN, but this pattern can be extended to the Einstein Telescope. It first serves as an important employer for highly educated profiles and then develops into a ‘talent pool’ from which companies in the region can draw. Companies have a strong incentive to establish themselves around these regions because they can benefit from the expertise and experience of former researchers who want to settle in the area and apply their knowledge in the industry.

Minister-President Matthias Diependaele: “By bringing the Einstein Telescope project to Flanders, we can focus on collaborations between knowledge institutions, companies, and governments so that we can create our own Silicon Valley in the three-country region. With the right incentives and support, we can form an innovation ecosystem that will have an impact on Flanders for the next 50 years. The Einstein Telescope is a Flemish priority, and we need a new moonshot project that universities, companies, and citizens can support.”

POM Chairman Tom Vandeput: “The figures from this study show that the Einstein Telescope is an unprecedented opportunity for Limburg. This big science project will not only create thousands of job-years but also strengthen our province as a leading knowledge and innovation center. The impact goes far beyond the construction and operational phases: companies in the supply chain, spin-offs, and new investors will settle here and ensure sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, we will create a talent pool of highly educated researchers and engineers who can apply their expertise in the industry and the broader economy. This is exactly the technological acceleration that Limburg needs to permanently distinguish itself and secure the region’s prosperity.”

This study was co-financed by the Province of Limburg.