Interdisciplinary cooperative research, or ICON (acronym for the Dutch Interdisciplinair Coöperatief Onderzoek), is a project type aimed at interdisciplinary collaboration between research & knowledge dissemination organisations and companies.

The main objective of ICON is to accelerate innovation by enabling companies and research organisations to carry out research together, each from their unique perspective and role. Unlike the more traditional linear model based on sequential fundamental research, applied research and industrial research, ICON projects allow research organisations and companies to carry out strategic basic research and industrial research simultaneously and in synergy. This model aims to avoid the innovation paradox: the gap between academic research and the practical research needed by companies. Potential benefits include ensuring that research organisations carry out research with industrial relevance, guaranteeing active company involvement, facilitating a rapid intellectual property transfer for both parties, and achieving broader added value for the entire ecosystem.

ICON projects are typically deployed in the context of strategic research centres, spearhead clusters, and thematic policy initiatives.