This projects aims to contribute to a substantive and deeper knowledge on this subject. Thus, the central question and driver of the project is that of scientific development in Associated Laboratories – this choice of the empirical object is justified in the “Plan and Methods”- and their contribution to improve technological innovation in firms. To achieve this goal, particular attention will be given to the following analysis dimensions: the forms of producing and organizing scientific activity in laboratories, the scientific life of researchers and their values orientation, the types of funding (public/private) and their impact in the scientists careers and in the modalities of “transfer of knowledge” to firms, as well as to the internationalization of science.