Research & Innovation For Cities and Citizens

Project Information

RI4C2

Grant agreement ID: 101035803

DOI

10.3030/101035803

Project closed

EC signature date 4 June 2021

Start date 1 September 2021

End date 31 August 2024

Funded under

• SCIENCE WITH AND FOR SOCIETY

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 1 999 759,33

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITE DE POITIERS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - RI4C2 (Research & Innovation For Cities and Citizens)

Reporting period: 2023-03-01 to 2024-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The seven universities of the European Universities Alliance “European Campus of City-Universities- EC2U” joined forces to extend the activities of the EC2U Alliance to the fields of Research and Innovation (R&I). The project “Research & Innovation for Cities & Citizens – RI4C2” was based on recent key initiatives supported or developed by the European Commission in the four core domains of the Knowledge square: Education, Research, Innovation and Service to society. In the RI4C2 project, the seven partners worked towards a common, overarching objective to create a shared Pan-European Knowledge Ecosystem (PEKE). A Knowledge ecosystem is a framework that gathers all actors from the Knowledge square at any given level (local or national) to foster dynamic interactions between said entities to improve Knowledge circulation and boost collaboration in a constantly changing environment. To reach this overarching objective, the RI4C2 project developed a process that involves gradual and adaptive transformation of all aspects of the R&I missions across the participating universities: capacity building at the service of the research community, gradual alignment of R&I strategies, empowerment of all stakeholders via an enhanced networking space, and active involvement of citizens. The PEKE can also be viewed as the most ambitious framework in the integration vs. activity chart presented in figure 1. This innovative framework has been achieved by taking stock of the structures created under the EC2U Erasmus+ project and by complementing them with eight RI4C2 Work Packages (WPs):

- WP1 “Transformation management”, led by the University of Poitiers
- WP2 “EC2U R&I agenda”, led by the University of Salamanca
- WP3 “EC2U People empowerment”, led by the University of Coimbra
- WP4 “EC2U R&I platforms”, led by the University of Pavia
- WP5 “EC2U innovation sphere”, led by the University of Jena
- WP6 “EC2U Knowledge Ecosystems”, led by the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi
- WP7 “Open EC2U”, led by the University of Turku
- WP8 “Transformation dissemination”, led by the University of Poitiers

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

WP1 had the objective of creating a roadmap for joint R&I activities, pursuing the dialogue with the EC2U Alliance governance and putting together the pieces of the PEKE, launched in June 2024. WP1 has thus created a Data Management Plan and studied the feasibility to create an EC2U network of shared R&I platforms. WP1 additionally ensured constant dialogue between the EC2U Erasmus+ and the RI4C2 projects.

WP2 has created a common R&I agenda that will significantly impact the EC2U Alliance’s R&I capacity. WP2 has conducted a large-scale survey on R&I needs and all R&I activities in the seven EC2U universities have been mapped. As a result, 4 new EC2U Virtual Institutes have been created and research groups have been identified.

WP3 had the objective of supporting researchers in their career paths, ensuring balanced mobility, and providing equal opportunities for all. WP3 has worked on the creation of a guide for partners who have not yet received the HRS4R label certification. WP3 also produced Gender Equality masterclasses and a toolkit for research career development.

In parallel, WP4 is offering digital support to the other WPs and is extending the recently created EC2U Connect Centre to R&I fields. Databases and platforms have already been created. In addition, the WP4 Board and the MaCo have defined the dissemination level(s) of the different datasets.

WP5 reinforced the existing local innovation networks and connected them at the European level, by organising joint activities and sharing best practices and tools. WP5 has developed a multifaceted network between the Lighthouses of Innovation which led to the publication of the “Recipes of Innovation”, organised “Virtual EC2U Innovation Lecture Series” and a joint innovative event; the EC2U Makeathon.

WP6 developed a framework for local Knowledge Ecosystems by involving citizens in all stages of the R&I process. This has been done by identifying Citizen Science champions, analysing the existing EC2U local Knowledge Ecosystems, designing instruments to measure civic engagement in R&I activities, and creating three pilot Living Labs within the EC2U Virtual Institutes.

WP7 objective was to promote openness in science and innovation. WP7 has collected case descriptions of existing Open Science practices from each EC2U partner, compiled in a synthetic report. This led to the creation of a guidebook for Open Science champions. Moreover, open educational materials, the “Open Science Masterclasses”, have been developed to complement the guidebook.

WP8 disseminated RI4C2 results and outputs to the EC2U communities and fostered cooperation between Alliances via the coordination of FOREU2 (Group of 24 Alliances). WP8 has thus promoted RI4C2 results to key stakeholders at the EC2U Forum. Furthermore, WP8 has set up FOREU2 communication tools, a shared platform and thematic sub-groups and has reported on FOREU2 meetings. This led to the release of two joint FOREU2 reports on various R&I topics.

As a result of the above-mentionned activities, the PEKE will continue to expand within the EC2U Alliance.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The expected main results of the RI4C2 project were the following:

• The creation of a PEKE that will boost R&I activities and capacity within the EC2U Alliance.
• The gradual alignment of Partner Universities’ R&I strategies.
• The development of a reference framework for research career development.
• The expansion of the EC2U Connect Centre.
• The establishment of a network between the Lighthouses of Innovation across the EC2U Partner
Universities.
• The definition of a common framework for Knowledge Ecosystems, Citizen Science and Living
Labs, to fully involve citizens in research.
• The promotion of Open Science practices within the EC2U Alliance.
• The creation of a common cooperation space among all European University Alliances; FOREU2.

The socio-economic impacts resulting from the implementation of the RI4C2 project are significant on the EC2U Alliance as a whole but also on the individual universities. The newly launched PEKE and the alignment of R&I strategies will boost the R&I activities and capacity of the partner universities, resulting in increased competitiveness and growth. The development of a reference framework for research career development and the promotion of balanced mobility and equal opportunities will likely lead to the attraction and retention of talented researchers, enhancing the human capital of the EC2U Alliance. This will foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities. The expansion of the EC2U Connect Centre and the establishment of a network between the Lighthouses of Innovation across the partner universities will create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering the development of new products, services, and technologies. This will enhance the innovation ecosystem and create a favourable environment for start-ups and entrepreneurs, contributing to the growth of the European economy. Finally, the project's contribution to developing the UNSDGs will have far-reaching social and economic impacts, including improved public health, increased access to quality education, and the development of sustainable urban environments, among other impacts.

Figure 1 Integration vs. activity chart of R&I networks