University Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

University Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

http://internationalweek.dps.uminho.pt/

Purpose of the program

The main purpose of the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility week on Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems is to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to understand, develop and implement effective innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems in their universities and learn from sharing the experience and the vision of the participants on such ecosystems, promoting the creation of synergies, partnerships and networking in this domain.

Master classes, seminars, on-site visits and training will cover the different dimensions of an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem using University of Minho and its partners as the case study. Furthermore, the most relevant and challenging aspects of this field, which includes established and latest concepts, will be explored giving to the participants the opportunity to propose and implement changes and improvements in the participants’ own universities from, if possible, a collaborative approach promoted by the program.

The program will be guided by experienced trainers and coaches who will involve participants in teamwork activities aiming at the definition of the best practices in the field and the production of a strategic plan for more innovative and entrepreneurial European Universities. Both innovation and entrepreneurship aspects, as well as university-industry partnerships, processes to turn university-based intensive knowledge and technologies into products and services, solutions for the community and businesses for the market and other related aspects will be covered. The work developed, ideas and contributions may be included into an e-book to enhance the contribution and diffusion of this program and support further editions.

Who can benefit

Participants to this course are members of the academic community with an English level of B1 or above, looking to develop and/or improve their understanding and contribution to more effective and collaborative innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems linking universities and industry in different countries. Thus, they are very welcome: teaching staff, administrative staff & management, PhD candidates and researchers, etc.

How is the program structured

This 5-days course is based on the historic city of Guimarães (Portugal) - https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/guimaraes.

Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal because Afonso Henriques, who went on to be the first king of Portugal, was born here. The historical centre in the area that was within the Guimarães city walls, is associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, and was classified a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. Guimarães was recently into the shortlist for the European Green Capital.

The University of Minho has several campi and research infrastructures mainly located in the cities of Braga and Guimarães, from its more than twenty thousand students, more than 10% are international students (https://www.uminho.pt/EN).

A welcoming session will offer and overview of the 5-days course and a team building activity. In the first 3 days, participants will get information and will be invited to discuss the best practices, vision and trends related to innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems in universities through seminars, master classes, visits and group work. The relationship industry-university, teaching issues and research opportunities on this field will be particularly explored. From such activities, in day 4, it will be promoted a presentation and discussion to share ideas and a vision for the universities involved. The day 5 will be devoted to the process of turning ideas into business and related methodologies. Invited keynote speakers, mentors and key players of the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem will assist the different activities.

What is the cost of the program

The program package costs 200 euros and includes:

• Participating in all activities;
• Transportation during the days of the program;
• Training materials;
• Lunches;
• Social event;
• Assistance throughout the week.

Registration

By filling in the application form available here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCer_PryyEvtM0bAP9ovm6ZvPCmBnW5z48cmF4HEJt9b8hyQ/viewform