Data ecosystems (DEs) are becoming increasingly relevant in practice and science, as they generate added value through co-creation. The development of DEs is linked with challenges that require companies to be supported in the long term over the entire life cycle of the Proof of Concept (PoC), piloting and scaling of DEs. The aim of this paper is to define cornerstones of a research institute to combine business value with scientific progress and thus shape the approach of an impact-based research institute. Based on the analysis of 30 case studies, we present the results using three cases: catering, risk mitigation and logistics. From the cases, design principles (DPs) could be derived in the areas practice-orientated problem definition, neutrality, common research framework, additional practitioners within a research institute, technical design of PoCs and long-term relationship. The DPs show how a research institute can structured for collaborations between research and practice.