Towards 2030: What is FET’s Role in Delivering IMPACT from Research and Innovation Investment Research and Impact There is a disconnect (particularly so in Europe) between basic research focused on fundamental scientific questions and translating the outcomes of this research into social and economic impact. Most scientific research comes to impact through a circuitous route; and can take a long time (often 10-20 years or even more). Scientists trying to explain this in public fora appear to be evasive – apparently unable to answer apparently simple, direct questions. But this is truly an honest reflection of the complexity of the research and innovation process.