Systemic and holistic approach

The project proposes a systemic and holistic approach that creates bridges and links between 3 main pillars: research, education, and innovation. These 3 main pillars are reflected in the two central development facets of the proposed loop:

Research and Innovation > inception and outgrowing: boosting smart-spec civic universities, meaning that higher education institutions and their researchers and related structures set their priorities based on smart specialization directives as well as on the outcomes of consultation, negotiation and participatory processes that engage relevant actors and identify the needs and interests of the regions, companies and citizens. To achieve this, it is necessary to foster public engagement and enhance the outreach and impact of research activities and results at different levels, including local/regional economic growth and innovation.

Education > nurturing: This development aspect focuses on embedding research in higher education curricula. Curricula are enriched with the latest research findings, giving them an innovative and progressive character. This is achieved through the introduction of a holistic methodology and supporting instruments, which promote research-based practices among higher education institutions, leaders and teachers (e.g., awareness and implementation of a mix of current, research-oriented practices, and development of modern research skills and techniques among staff) on the one hand, and students (e.g., learning how to conduct research as well as engaging in research discussions) on the other hand.