Collaboration between R&D&I Networks and Clusters, key to accelerating knowledge transfer

The TECSAM Network has participated in the 5th Session of the Community of R&D&I Transfer Networks, organized by the Department of Research and Universities of the Generalitat de Catalunya

The complementarity between Networks and Clusters

The session began with the intervention of Rafael González Moreno , head of the Knowledge Transfer Promotion Area of ??the Department of Research and Universities, who highlighted the importance of facilitating the mobility of resources and taking advantage of transfer opportunities through the connection between Networks and Clusters. In this sense, he highlighted the role of Networks as generators of scientific and technological knowledge and that of Clusters as agents connected to market opportunities.

Javier Selva , Director General of Knowledge Transfer and Society of the same Department, then highlighted the 30 years of experience of the Clusters and their capacity to articulate value chains. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the complementarity between these agents and the Networks to generate new opportunities for collaboration.

During the first part of the day, different instruments were presented to promote knowledge transfer, such as the Industrial Doctorate Program, the PILOT program, aimed at bringing proof of concept closer to the market, and the financing options of the ICF Capital Risc.

Three dynamics to identify collaboration opportunities

Subsequently, three work dynamics were carried out aimed at getting to know the different actors, identifying opportunities for collaboration and addressing shared challenges.

The sessions have allowed us to work on sectoral challenges in areas such as health, energy, the circular economy and disruptive industries and artificial intelligence, as well as reflect on cross-cutting issues such as financing and talent.

In the field of health, the focus has been on how to accelerate the arrival of innovations to patients, professionals and the healthcare system. Among the work paths identified, networking, co-creation, acceleration programs, joint detection of challenges and public-private connections have been highlighted.

The dynamics have also highlighted the need to generate more meeting spaces and promote joint actions that facilitate the connection between scientific knowledge, companies and market needs.

TECSAM and WeMind Cluster: a consolidated collaboration

The day concluded with the presentation of successful cases of collaboration between Networks and Clusters, which exemplified the potential of these alliances to promote knowledge transfer.

Within this framework, the TECSAM Network has shared its experience of collaboration with the WeMind Cluster , a relationship that has come a long way and that has been consolidated over time through different initiatives and shared workspaces.

The session highlighted that the connection between Networks and Clusters is an opportunity to add capabilities, share challenges and generate joint projects that contribute to accelerating the transfer of knowledge and the arrival of innovations in society.

More connections and more collaboration to transform knowledge into impact.

The conference was attended by the AccessCat, CLARIAH-CAT, NEUROAGE, Xartec Salut, XWHIN – Women’s Health Innovation Network, Cybercat, RDI-IA, X4HPC, X_AgriTech, TECSAM, BlueNetCat, i4KIDS Paediatric Innovation Hub, XaRFA and XarSMART Networks.