Periodic Reporting for period 2 - FIT FORTHEM (Fostering Institutional Transformation of R&I Policies in European Universities)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-07-01 al 2023-12-31
In 2021, the FIT FORTHEM project started to work on transformational processes in research, innovation and transfer at its seven, since 2023 nine, partner universities. The following key objectives were defined for the project:
1.In line with the FORTHEM Lab and Outreach Missions, modelling a quadruple-helix transformation approach in cooperation between academia, industry, governance, and citizens to set the future research agenda of our universities in the framework of each institution’s local context. We will also bear in mind the Global Challenges and Missions identified by the future European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe, and the Sustainable Development goals defined by the United Nations (from local to global) (WP 3, 4, 5, 6).
2.Based on the FORTHEM Lab Mission and future research activities of the Labs, developing joint Open Science Policies, to be discussed and shared with the other European Universities Networks. We will take into account new concepts of a more crosslinked and digitized science, new forms of cooperation and communication, and will try to overcome current weaknesses in the acceptance of Open Science requirements, the lack of incentives to participate, and the development of stand-alone solutions that often hamper rather than promote cooperation (WP 3, 4, 7).
3.Widening and sharing the FORTHEM networks and their outreach dimension by joining forces with other alliances, stakeholders and stakeholder networks, and policy makers, and thus being an important consultant for the European Commission for the further development of the European University Networks (WP 2, 5, 6, 7).
4. Eliminating site-specific disadvantages both of institutions and for researchers and students by sharing infrastructures, technologies, knowledge, and services (WP 2, 3, 4, 6).
5.Developing new models, processes and support structures to strengthen cross-institutional and alliance-wide cooperation on all key issues, building on regional clusters, integrating national initiatives and keeping an overall European perspective, not only in the field of education, but also and mainly in research and innovation activities. Thus, we will significantly contribute to the international competitiveness of FORTHEM in the European Research Area and contribute to the future European research agenda (WP 6 + all WPs).
6.Despite competing in some European funding programmes, such as the ERC, developing strong joint expert services open to all researchers of the Alliance in order to boost transnational cooperation and professionalization in research management at all partner institutions, to open new career perspectives for researchers and managers, and to underpin and facilitate excellent research with excellent support services (WP 2, 6).
1.In line with the FORTHEM Lab and Outreach Missions, modelling a quadruple-helix transformation approach in cooperation between academia, industry, governance, and citizens to set the future research agenda of our universities in the framework of each institution’s local context. We will also bear in mind the Global Challenges and Missions identified by the future European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe, and the Sustainable Development goals defined by the United Nations (from local to global) (WP 3, 4, 5, 6).
2.Based on the FORTHEM Lab Mission and future research activities of the Labs, developing joint Open Science Policies, to be discussed and shared with the other European Universities Networks. We will take into account new concepts of a more crosslinked and digitized science, new forms of cooperation and communication, and will try to overcome current weaknesses in the acceptance of Open Science requirements, the lack of incentives to participate, and the development of stand-alone solutions that often hamper rather than promote cooperation (WP 3, 4, 7).
3.Widening and sharing the FORTHEM networks and their outreach dimension by joining forces with other alliances, stakeholders and stakeholder networks, and policy makers, and thus being an important consultant for the European Commission for the further development of the European University Networks (WP 2, 5, 6, 7).
4. Eliminating site-specific disadvantages both of institutions and for researchers and students by sharing infrastructures, technologies, knowledge, and services (WP 2, 3, 4, 6).
5.Developing new models, processes and support structures to strengthen cross-institutional and alliance-wide cooperation on all key issues, building on regional clusters, integrating national initiatives and keeping an overall European perspective, not only in the field of education, but also and mainly in research and innovation activities. Thus, we will significantly contribute to the international competitiveness of FORTHEM in the European Research Area and contribute to the future European research agenda (WP 6 + all WPs).
6.Despite competing in some European funding programmes, such as the ERC, developing strong joint expert services open to all researchers of the Alliance in order to boost transnational cooperation and professionalization in research management at all partner institutions, to open new career perspectives for researchers and managers, and to underpin and facilitate excellent research with excellent support services (WP 2, 6).
The Horizon 2020-funded FIT FORTHEM project has initiated significant transformative processes in research, innovation, and knowledge transfer across its seven European partner universities. It has effectively advanced the research dimension within the FORTHEM Alliance, seamlessly integrating it into collaborative efforts. The initial 18 months focused on evaluating various aspects including professionalization and interculturality (WP2), the development of joint research agendas and open science policies (WP3), infrastructural development (WP4), co-creation methodologies in collaboration with FORTHEM Labs (WP5), and the establishment of joint support structures (WP6). Subsequently, the project transitioned into a phase of implementation and activation during its second funding period.
Drawing insights from workshops, boot camps, and expert groups (WP2), FIT FORTHEM expanded the support structures of the Joint Office in WP6, initiating personnel development processes related to HRS4R and Gender Equality Plans at some partner universities, as well as refining the roles of research managers and administrators. Notably, action plans and protocols developed in WP3 were translated into targeted recommendations for Alliance members and external policy makers, emphasizing internationalization in research, open science, innovation and transfer, science communication, and co-creation. In WP4, an OpenAIRE Gateway was established to showcase the scientific output of the FORTHEM Alliance, complemented by a digital platform highlighting research-intensive working groups and making digital content from partner universities more accessible for researchers within the alliance. Collaborative efforts with FORTHEM Labs in WP5 led to the launch of pilot studies in Co-Creation, analyses on venture capital and investment, the creation of video tutorials on co-creation, transfer, and innovation, and the development of educational materials fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The project's well-structured management (WP1) and extensive communication and dissemination efforts (WP7) further amplified its impact. The establishment of the Joint Research Services and Policy Office facilitated engagement with external stakeholders and policy makers, leading to policy recommendations and an evaluation of FIT FORTHEM's cost-benefit situation. The continuation of the joint Research and Innovation Services and Policy Office within the FORTHEM framework serves as evidence of FIT FORTHEM's achievements. Minor shortcomings of the project include the lack of full adoption of a quadruple helix approach. Outreach to society should be intensified in the future, along with enhanced exchange with policy makers and funding institutions, and increased participation of the scientific community. Nonetheless, FIT FORTHEM has played a pivotal role in shaping the Research, Innovation and Transfer Mission of the FORTEM alliance, leading to the creation of an Academy for Early-Stage Researchers (ESR). This academy continues to engage in open science initiatives, provides varied training opportunities, addresses responsible research assessment, and develops strategies for securing long-term financial support, especially for the promotion of ESR. These milestones underscore FIT FORTHEM's significant and lasting influence within the Alliance. All predefined objectives of the FIT FORTHEM project have proven to be appropriate, and significant progress was made in the most important areas of intervention. Finally, we would like to highlight, that during RP2, (FIT) FORTHEM was integrated at most partner universities in their institutional strategies and policies. Very often, activities initiated in FIT FORTHEM had a key impact, and the policy recommendations are being adopted step-by-step.
Drawing insights from workshops, boot camps, and expert groups (WP2), FIT FORTHEM expanded the support structures of the Joint Office in WP6, initiating personnel development processes related to HRS4R and Gender Equality Plans at some partner universities, as well as refining the roles of research managers and administrators. Notably, action plans and protocols developed in WP3 were translated into targeted recommendations for Alliance members and external policy makers, emphasizing internationalization in research, open science, innovation and transfer, science communication, and co-creation. In WP4, an OpenAIRE Gateway was established to showcase the scientific output of the FORTHEM Alliance, complemented by a digital platform highlighting research-intensive working groups and making digital content from partner universities more accessible for researchers within the alliance. Collaborative efforts with FORTHEM Labs in WP5 led to the launch of pilot studies in Co-Creation, analyses on venture capital and investment, the creation of video tutorials on co-creation, transfer, and innovation, and the development of educational materials fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The project's well-structured management (WP1) and extensive communication and dissemination efforts (WP7) further amplified its impact. The establishment of the Joint Research Services and Policy Office facilitated engagement with external stakeholders and policy makers, leading to policy recommendations and an evaluation of FIT FORTHEM's cost-benefit situation. The continuation of the joint Research and Innovation Services and Policy Office within the FORTHEM framework serves as evidence of FIT FORTHEM's achievements. Minor shortcomings of the project include the lack of full adoption of a quadruple helix approach. Outreach to society should be intensified in the future, along with enhanced exchange with policy makers and funding institutions, and increased participation of the scientific community. Nonetheless, FIT FORTHEM has played a pivotal role in shaping the Research, Innovation and Transfer Mission of the FORTEM alliance, leading to the creation of an Academy for Early-Stage Researchers (ESR). This academy continues to engage in open science initiatives, provides varied training opportunities, addresses responsible research assessment, and develops strategies for securing long-term financial support, especially for the promotion of ESR. These milestones underscore FIT FORTHEM's significant and lasting influence within the Alliance. All predefined objectives of the FIT FORTHEM project have proven to be appropriate, and significant progress was made in the most important areas of intervention. Finally, we would like to highlight, that during RP2, (FIT) FORTHEM was integrated at most partner universities in their institutional strategies and policies. Very often, activities initiated in FIT FORTHEM had a key impact, and the policy recommendations are being adopted step-by-step.
The FIT FORTHEM team has been the key contributor to the design of the FORTHEM Mission for Research, Innovation and Transfer. Based on its results, this mission will significantly boost the transnational cooperation in the upcoming years, and will guarantee that results and agendas developed in FIT FORTHEM will be implemented and exploited in a timely manner and appropriate way. FORTHEM Alliance has split the role of General Secretary into two positions, one dedicated to support the Research, Innovation and Transfer Mission and the Labs-and Co-Creation Mission, and one dedicated to support the European Campus Mission, the Service-to-Society Mission and the Skills and Competences Mission. This clearly demonstrates the integrative approach which the Alliance has adopted.