Integrated cooperation in real life

Purpose and goal

The overall objective is to develop and test a differentiated innovation and development-oriented collaboration offering, which in various ways mobilizes students as developing resources for the region´s small and medium-sized businesses, while contributing to the utilization of the knowledge produced within BTH. The ongoing review of experiences in these matters at other universities shows several good examples that we could build upon in the project in order to achieve the project objectives.

Results and expected effects

The project aim to build a bridge between the regional industry (especially SMEs) and BTH, which in the longer run will contribute to the regional development. Students receive valuable training in practical development work and also create contacts on the regional labor market, which may lead to that they stay in the region. Furthermore the project will result in increased relevance/quality in BTH´s educational programs. Discussions w/ different stakeholders during the planning phase shows a positive interest and that the conditions for a successful project are there.

Approach and implementation

During the planning phase, the project has been discussed with program directors and teachers at BTH, as well as with regional representatives and companies from the project´s main target group. Throughout the response was positive although some companies where concerned about the amount of work that will be required on their part, which is an issue that needs special attention in the main project. The planning phase has also included a study-tour to Stanford (the initial plan was to visit Eindhoven but they couldn´t accommodate us) which gave a lot of useful contacts for the future work.