Strengthening the research capacity of Turkey in innovative business models for the hospitality sector

Project Information

REMODEL

Grant agreement ID: 101079203

DOI

10.3030/101079203

Project closed

EC signature date 1 November 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2025

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

€ 1 499 827,50

EU contribution

€ 1 499 827,50

Coordinated by

BURSA ULUDAG UNIVERSITESI
Türkiye

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - REMODEL (Strengthening the research capacity of Turkey in innovative business models for the hospitality sector)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Given the importance of the hospitality sector for Turkey, measures to mitigate COVID-19 socio-economic impacts on livelihoods need to be put in place urgently in order to improve competitiveness and build resilience against the pandemics impact. This will require a rethink in how business operate and to implement innovative business models incorporating new digital tools and sustainability and circular economy concepts to shift to a resilient, competitive and resource efficient and carbon-neutral sector, able to face the challenges imposed by a globalised economy in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Higher Education through knowledge transfer can make a significant contribution to helping SMEs overcome the current economic challenges.
REMODEL focuses to strengthen R&I capacity and skills of BUU through leveraging the experience and state-of-the-art knowledge and tools made available by twinning partners ULE and ATU. During the project, BUU will raise its research profile in innovative business models and significantly enhance its skills for the management and administration of EU R&I programmes. A novel Business Model Innovation (BMI) laboratory will be created and become instrumental for the execution of the Research part of the project by applying the acquired knowledge and skills in consumer behavioural analysis, neuromarketing, leadership and entrepreneurship gained by BUU to the development of innovative business models for SMEs in the hospitality sector. A long-term scientific research strategy will be developed including joint academic studies, staff exchanges, and the definition of joint R&I programme.
REMODEL aims to increase the R&I performing and management capacity of BUU in the use of new digital tools to prepare innovative business models for SMEs in the hospitality sector in Turkey through twinning with two leading Higher Education (HE) Partners - ULE and ATU.
To achieve its aim, the project pursues 5 detailed objectives
• Raising the R&I profile of BUU in the development of innovative business models
• Raising the R&I capacity of BUU through staff exchanges, workshops, summer schools and setting-up of a BMI laboratory
• Strengthening of BUU EU projects and technology-transfer office
• Development of innovative business models for SMEs in the Turkey hospitality sector by leveraging the novel BUU BMI Lab created in REMODEL
• Effectively disseminate and communicate project results and outcomes to engage the relevant stakeholders in the value chain: from authorities to citizens. Liaise with relevant initiatives and organizations

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 – Project Management
Under WP1, coordinated by BUU, all project management tasks were fully implemented. Administrative, financial, and technical coordination ensured compliance with Horizon Europe rules, effective budget monitoring, and timely reporting. Quality assurance, risk management, ethics, and data management activities were systematically applied, providing a solid framework for the smooth implementation of the project.

WP2 – BUU Research Capacity Building
Under WP2, led by ATU, REMODEL strengthened BUU’s research capacity in innovative business models through targeted training in consumer behaviour, innovation, leadership, research management, and proposal writing, delivered by ATU and ULE. In parallel, the BUU Business Model Innovation (BMI) Lab was established and became fully operational.

WP3 – Twinning and Networking
Under WP3, led by ULE, twinning and networking activities strengthened long-term scientific collaboration among partners. A joint Strategic Research Agenda defined shared research priorities, while summer schools and staff exchanges enhanced research skills and hands-on collaboration. A long-term R&I cooperation strategy was developed to support continued collaboration beyond the project.

WP4 – Research in Innovative Business Models Leveraging the BMI Lab
Under WP4, led by BUU, REMODEL carried out its core scientific activities through the BMI Lab. A sector analysis informed the development of innovative business models, which were implemented in two rounds with a total of ten hospitality SMEs using an optimised BMI Lab methodology. Impact assessment mechanisms were applied to evaluate effects on SME operations.

WP5 – Dissemination, Exploitation, and Outreach
Under WP5, REMODEL ensured the structured dissemination, exploitation, and policy-oriented use of its results. A DEC framework guided activities, while exploitation focused on establishing a sustainable operational model for the BUU BMI Lab. Liaison and clustering activities supported integration with R&I ecosystems, and policy recommendations were developed to foster innovation adoption among hospitality SMEs.

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 REMODEL project delivered a coherent set of scientific, technical, and organisational results through the completion of all planned deliverables and Key Exploitable Results (KERs). These results address two linked impact dimensions: strengthening research capacity in a Widening country higher education institution and enabling innovative business model development for SMEs through a validated Business Model Innovation (BMI) Lab framework.

At the institutional level, REMODEL strengthened Bursa Uludağ University’s (BUU) research performance and governance through key outputs such as project management, quality and risk management tools, research administration manuals, strategic research planning, capacity-building activities, and mobility schemes. Together, these results institutionalised research management practices and increased BUU’s readiness to participate in and coordinate EU-funded R&I projects.

At the applied research level, the BUU BMI Lab represents the project’s core result. Supported by operational procedures, sector analysis, optimised methodologies, and impact assessment, the Lab enabled the development of data-driven innovative business models for hospitality SMEs. Pilot applications demonstrated the relevance and scalability of the approach, strengthening SME innovation capacity and university–industry collaboration.

To ensure further uptake, key needs include continued applied research to adapt the methodology to other sectors, scaling and demonstration activities, access to sustainable funding mechanisms, and supportive frameworks for university–industry collaboration. As most results are service- and methodology-based, effective institutional IPR management and continued international cooperation remain essential.

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