Networking Platform for Applied Research in Europe
With more than 150 participants from 20 European countries in attendance, the networking conference on 'Mobilizing Universities of Applied Sciences for Horizon 2020' that was organized by the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) in cooperation with the EU Commission and took place on 4 February, 2015 was a complete success. Many representatives from EU institutions were also on hand, including Robert-Jan Smits, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Research & Innovation at the European Commission. These impressive figures reflect the high level of interest that universities of applied sciences have in expanding their involvement across Europe. The aim of the conference was to inform these universities about the variety of support options available in the EU for innovative research projects and offer them an international networking platform to initiate new projects. While universities and industry have a long successful history of working together with partners in other European countries when it comes to research, development and innovation, many technical colleges and universities of applied sciences are just beginning. "Their chances of obtaining EU funds for transnational projects are very good,” says Martin Reichel, CEO of the Bavarian Research Alliance. For instance, the European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, which was launched about one year ago, attaches more importance to practical application in the field of research than the former 7th Research Framework Programme. One key objective of the conference was to point out the opportunities that are available specifically for these types of colleges and universities. "Universities of applied sciences are in an excellent position to benefit from and contribute to the EU funding programme Horizon 2020. The added value of the universities of applied sciences lies in their skills to bring research results to the market, reach out to regional partners and foster cooperation with industry, notably SMEs," said Robert-Jan Smits, Director-General of the DG Research & Innovation, European Commission. Networking – the key for successful projects The conference also proved to be an important platform for intensive networking activities. Which universities in other European countries have a similar research profile? What are their areas of specialization and expertise that round out an innovative project? Many colleges and universities presented their expertise and specific project ideas, for which they are currently looking for cooperation partners. Furthermore, the conference addressed the underlying political and structural conditions, which are one of the reasons why many technical colleges and universities avoid taking such a step on a European level. Robert-Jan Smits, Director-General of the DG Research & Innovation of the European Commission, and Bernd Sibler, State Secretary of the Bavarian Ministry of Education, Science and the Arts, were on hand to highlight the political aspects, while the chairman of “The Bavarian Universities of Applied Sciences” (Hochschule Bayern e.V.) Prof. Dr. Michael Braun, and Mathias Rauch, Head of Fraunhofer Brussels, contributed their own experience from day-to-day work. Sibler emphasized that all Bavarian universities of applied sciences already have very successful cooperation projects with local and regional industry partners. The point now is to leverage their strengths and know-how on the European level in a targeted manner and utilize all available opportunities. Direct connection to the EU for Bavarian scientists The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) was founded in 2006 as an institution to support universities and technical colleges located in Bavaria in their efforts to receive research and innovation funding from the EU. Events like the current networking conference serve as an instrument for paving the way for Bavarian researchers to participate in European programmes.
Countries
Belgium, Germany