Within advanced economies, scientific and technological research has become the dominant factor for economic production, but the process that starts with scientific research and leads to social changes may encounter bifurcations that can result in either an increase or a decrease of inequalities. Research institutions are in a privileged position to assess and to orientate the social impact of their research activities. These processes are illustrated by the case of the Gran Sasso Science Institute (gssi), an international school for advanced studies which has developed a framework for assessing the social impact of research and for managing the development of new technologies and the valorisation of scientific results.