Equestrianism-in-Collaboration: Developing collaboration between Smedstad Riding Centre and LiU

Purpose and goal

The aim of this project was to identify possible arenas for future collaboration between the brand new, publicly subsidized riding school Smedstad Equestrian Centre and researchers at Linköping University. The project has successfully established a close collaboration, concerning joint research projects (in social sciences as well as medical sciences), joint educational projects, the communication of popularized research to SRC clients, as well as forms for continuous professional development for the staff at SRC, and the project leader is now well established in her field.

Expected results and effects

The outcome of the project has been very positive. The project has reached its goals, even though its completion has been somewhat delayed compared to the original plan. The collaboration has resulted in applications for funding for two new research projects, the formulation of several other research and development projects (see the R&D plan for details), but also the establishment of the project leader as a research leader and of the SRC as an innovative force in the Swedish equestrian world.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was originally intended to be carried out during the first active year of the newly established SRC (the fiscal year 2016-2017), but was delayed due to unforeseen problems as the SRC started in late summer 2016 and to illness among key persons at LiU. The main parts of the project have instead been completed during 2017-2018. When collaborating with smaller companies such as the SRC, it is extremely important that both Vinnova and other funders, as well as the participating researchers, can be flexible.