Bridging the gap between University and Industry

Intro

Our approach leverages collaboration between universities and businesses to share a culture of Responsible Research and Innovation (RR&I), promoting opportunities for applied research and skilled employment.

We draw on multiple study strands:

• pedagogical approaches and experiential learning;

• the economics of entrepreneurship; 

• regional science literature on entrepreneurship research;

• systems thinking and sustainability assessment.

Goals

This non-traditional training initiative provides a platform for sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences among researchers, professionals, and emerging and established entrepreneurs.

The program intends to achieve the following results:

1. Build a network of SMEs and universities in Italy and the US

2. Attract and engage talents in addressing SME needs

3. Develop R&D collaborations between universities and SMEs

4. Develop matchmaking between US and Italian companies for business opportunities.

Our initiative will deliver comprehensive training, networking sessions, and collaboration opportunities to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within a region deemed moderately innovative according to the European Regional Innovation System (RIS).

Target groups

• The Young Researchers:  i.e., graduate students, PhD candidates, post-docs, startuppers

• The SMEs in the following macro-sectors:

  • • Space economy

    • Electronics / Robotics / AI

    • Bioeconomy / Agri-business / Pharma

    • Tourism / Cultural Heritage Conservation & Valorization

The Young Researchers

Ten young researchers have expressed their interest in participating in the project. Young researchers are post-docs, graduate or PhD students, and startuppers with different backgrounds from ICT to aeronautic engineering, industrial chemistry, Pharma, and Social innovation. Within the workshops, the young researchers will present their research experience and network with extant companies across different sectors. 

The networks

We benefit from diverse networks comprising European and North American universities and Italian companies spanning various sectors. This extensive network empowers us to establish targeted partnerships that support us in realizing our ambitious objectives in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Here are some of the partners we have collaborated with over the past two years:

• The Diplomatic Mission of the United States in Italy

• The Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech

• The OECD Platform for Entrepreneurship Education and Collaboration and Engagement Network 

• Italy-America Chamber of Commerce in New York

• The Italian Trade Agency

• Meditech - The Competence Center for supporting SMEs and Universities in the South of Itlay

• The European Evaluation Society - Strengthening the evaluation culture throughout Europe

• The Italian Trade Agency in New York

• Incubatore 6 Aree Interne - Startup incubator within rural areas

• The Consortium for Protecting DOCG Wines in Irpinia

• The Giffoni Film Fest 

• Youbiquo - Electronic Company

Methods

The design of this initiative rests on transdisciplinary and experiential learning. 

• Workshops fuel a platform of transdisciplinary knowledge useful for extending scientific applications beyond narrow disciplinary boundaries, thus enhancing collaboration opportunities between researchers and entrepreneurs. Addressing the complex challenges of global warming, biodiversity loss, depopulation, and health pandemics demands technological and social innovations, thriving on collaborative efforts across natural, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

• Experiential learning focuses on practical and simulated problem-solving activities relevant to private and public organizations. Participants gain knowledge and skills, fostering creativity, risk-taking, and motivation to collaborate with companies and territorial agencies.

Key activities

In-field training sessions 

Online meetings

A week-long summer course in New York 

Expected results

The expected outcome is to contribute to cultivating an enriched culture of innovation and a propensity for taking risks within research-industry collaborations:

• facilitating the recruitment of skilled individuals.

• promoting innovation in both technological and social enterprises.

• supporting the establishment and growth of entrepreneurial ventures.