Periodic Reporting for period 2 - TECNIOspringINDUSTRY (ACCIÓ programme to foster mobility of researchers with a focus in applied research and technology transfer)
Período documentado: 2021-06-01 hasta 2024-11-30
Tecniospring INDUSTRY (implemented from June 2019 to November 2024) was coordinated by ACCIÓ, the Catalan Agency for Business and Competitiveness, with a budget of 11 085 120 €. Joint selected applications had to be aligned with the crosscutting enabling technologies and sectors identified in the Smart Specialization Strategy of Catalonia (RIS3CAT) and they had to focus on technology transfer. Finally, 68 grants were funded, offering high-quality professional opportunities for researchers.
ACCIÓ had already managed two MSCA-COFUND projects: one under FP7 (TECNIOspring - GA 600388) and another one under H2020 (TECNIOspring PLUS - GA 712949). Tecniospring INDUSTRY went beyond the earlier grants to increase impact and alignment with MSCA best practices by further opening the programme to companies, improving conditions for researchers, and increasing networking opportunities in less represented countries.
ACCIÓ had already managed two MSCA-COFUND projects: one under FP7 (TECNIOspring - GA 600388) and another one under H2020 (TECNIOspring PLUS - GA 712949). Tecniospring INDUSTRY went beyond the earlier grants to increase impact and alignment with MSCA best practices by further opening the programme to companies, improving conditions for researchers, and increasing networking opportunities in less represented countries.
Thanks to this programme, ACCIÓ offered financial support to third parties (companies, technology centres and TECNIO entities with legal registration in Catalonia) through three cascade funding calls: 2019, 2020 and 2021. 302 applications were jointly submitted by host organisations and experienced researchers from across 45 countries. It is important to highlight the participation of companies as applicants. From 2019 to 2020, the applications submitted by companies more than doubled (from 26 to 61), with more companies applying than research and technology centres, a trend that was confirmed with the 2021 call. Out of 68 projects, 39 took place in TECNIO entities or technology centres and 29 in companies.
Strategic alliances were fostered through various mechanisms, including secondments, collaborations with host entities abroad, and the outgoing and return mobility schemes. These wide range of collaboration options played a key role in strengthening international partnerships by allowing researchers to gain valuable experience in organisations outside their home countries, while subsequently transferring the acquired knowledge and expertise back to their local institutions.
Multiple results stemmed from research activities: development of 56 prototypes, 37 goods or services, 6 best practices and 4 guidelines or standards, and creation of 2 spin-offs. Moreover, 7 patent applications are in progress, 3 trademarks were registered.
The projects results were disseminated thanks to the more than 135 publications published by fellows and host organisations, networking events organised by ACCIÓ and other parties and trade fairs, amongst others. The communication of the projects and science topics in general to a broader audience was also encouraged, and a total of 74 outreach activities were organised by Tecniospring INDUSTRY fellows.
Strategic alliances were fostered through various mechanisms, including secondments, collaborations with host entities abroad, and the outgoing and return mobility schemes. These wide range of collaboration options played a key role in strengthening international partnerships by allowing researchers to gain valuable experience in organisations outside their home countries, while subsequently transferring the acquired knowledge and expertise back to their local institutions.
Multiple results stemmed from research activities: development of 56 prototypes, 37 goods or services, 6 best practices and 4 guidelines or standards, and creation of 2 spin-offs. Moreover, 7 patent applications are in progress, 3 trademarks were registered.
The projects results were disseminated thanks to the more than 135 publications published by fellows and host organisations, networking events organised by ACCIÓ and other parties and trade fairs, amongst others. The communication of the projects and science topics in general to a broader audience was also encouraged, and a total of 74 outreach activities were organised by Tecniospring INDUSTRY fellows.
The programme has had a meaningful impact in the Catalan Research and Innovation Ecosystem (RIS), especially as the availability and adequacy of talent was identified as one of the weaknesses in the appraisal of the Catalan RIS.
In terms of societal impact, the projects have contributed positively to public health, environmental sustainability, and technology accessibility. More specifically, in the field of public health, projects have developed innovative solutions such as cutting-edge diagnostics, personalised medicine, and improved treatment delivery mechanisms. These advancements reflect the programme’s dedication to improving the quality of healthcare and enhancing patient outcomes.
Regarding environmental sustainability, the programme has prioritised research efforts that promote green technologies and resource efficiency. Several projects have focused on renewable energy solutions, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable manufacturing processes, enabling industries to adopt practices that significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Technology accessibility has been another crucial area of impact. By bridging the gap between research and market-ready applications, the Tecniospring INDUSTRY programme has ensured that innovations are not confined to laboratories but reach broader audiences. Partnerships with industry have facilitated the development and scaling of these technologies, addressing real-world challenges, and enhancing their practical utility.
Looking to the future, the programme has established a foundation for sustained research and development across critical sectors. Most of the projects reported plans to continue leveraging their findings, securing additional funding, creating new highly qualified job positions, and fostering industry collaborations to scale their innovations.
In terms of societal impact, the projects have contributed positively to public health, environmental sustainability, and technology accessibility. More specifically, in the field of public health, projects have developed innovative solutions such as cutting-edge diagnostics, personalised medicine, and improved treatment delivery mechanisms. These advancements reflect the programme’s dedication to improving the quality of healthcare and enhancing patient outcomes.
Regarding environmental sustainability, the programme has prioritised research efforts that promote green technologies and resource efficiency. Several projects have focused on renewable energy solutions, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable manufacturing processes, enabling industries to adopt practices that significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Technology accessibility has been another crucial area of impact. By bridging the gap between research and market-ready applications, the Tecniospring INDUSTRY programme has ensured that innovations are not confined to laboratories but reach broader audiences. Partnerships with industry have facilitated the development and scaling of these technologies, addressing real-world challenges, and enhancing their practical utility.
Looking to the future, the programme has established a foundation for sustained research and development across critical sectors. Most of the projects reported plans to continue leveraging their findings, securing additional funding, creating new highly qualified job positions, and fostering industry collaborations to scale their innovations.