Una.Resin_WP1_T1.6._1.10._RI strategy and implementation actions_20240131

Abstract

In order to achieve the objectives of each work package, the Una.Resin project followed a common methodology across work packages: •Development of shared strategies, agendas and policies following definition of scope, mapping ofpolicies and assets, stakeholder consultation and identification of barriers and enablers of R&Icooperation •Development of an action plan to implement shared priorities •Initial implementation via pilot actions •Evaluation of pilot actions In the phase 1 WP1 aimed to understand the relevant policies of the different institutions, providing WPs with essential information to develop shared strategies. The main methods used in this phase were: (1) benchmarking of the strategies and policies including questionnaires, targeted at policy makers, research administration professionals and relevant academics; (2) co-creation workshops for the academic community, targeted mainly at the research professionals and the academic leaders and other researchers in the Una Europa focus areas. These are described in the datasets “Una.Resin_WP1_T1.2_benchmarking-questionnaire_20240125" and “Una.Resin_WP1_co_creation workshops_20240129”. In the second half of the project, the WP1 main tasks were carrying on two pilots described in the dataset “Una.Resin_WP1_T1.11._1.12._Pilots_20240131” and in the end, writing the R&I strategy, the Una Europa R&I Investment Pathway (Annex 1 of the strategy) and the Roadmap to Implementation (Straetgy Annex 2). The strategy writing process included several consultations with the Una Europa leading bodies RSG and BoD, the Una.Resin WPs, Una Europa Vzw, Una.Futura project management as well as consultations with the self-steering groups of the Una Europa focus areas. In addition, the WP1 was working closely with the clusters of research professionals, especially the Research coordination cluster chaired by UH and the Cluster for Public, Private and Third Sector Collaboration (PPTSC) chaired by FUB to understand the relevant structures and processes to build sustainable support for Una Europa research-collaboration. WP1 also consulted the Una Europa Diversity council for diversity in the R&I strategy based on their analysis of the D1.1 in 2022. The council chair also presented the messages to the RSG as part of the R&I strategy preparation process. The Una Europa R&I strategy was developed in close connection to the Una Europa 2030 strategy process and considering the simultaneously accumulated lessons learned from the 1Europe project. In addition, the aims of the Una.Futura project that kicked off in December 2022 were considered in the strategy development. We also discussed with the self-steering committees of the Una Europa focus areas to make sure that the strategies and action plans of them are considered and in line with the Una Europa R&I strategy preparation. Una Europa R&I strategy is not an umbrella strategy for all existing or future R&I strategies of Una Europa partner universities. We outlined that because the Una Europa priority setting had been done already in the Una Europa 2030 process, in the Una Europa R&I strategy we further developed priorities and activities to implement these aims and present in the strategy “strategic areas of actions” referring to the areas, where actions should be implemented to support the research collaboration in Una Europa in the most optimal and effective way. In order to identify these areas, we identified individual actions. Besides the activities identified in the co-creation workshops and WP1 deliverable D1.1. and in the discussions with the Una Europa focus area self-steering committees, we carried out a strategic questionnaire of 16 questions targeted to Una.Resin WP 2-4 leads and co-leads, Una Europa professional cluster chairs and the Una Europa Vzw. In the questionnaire, we asked the colleagues to identify 2-4 themes and individual activities which should be set as strategic priorities when developing services and allocating resources for supporting researcher and/or for institutional or professional development. The answers were based on the Una.Resin aims, outcomes and insights. The questions addressed the priority strategic themes and key stakeholders, processes, actions and resources required to reach the aim. We also asked about the communication and matchmaking needs and the cluster learnings and aims. The roadmap to implementation of the strategic areas of actions aims to establish sustainable links between individual actions driving the R&I collaboration in our Alliance and the ongoing Una.Futura project. Furthermore, the roadmap process aims to identify essential activities where the Alliance has ambition, but which go beyond the ongoing project frameworks. Roadmap phases: Phase I, Identification: Identifying concrete actions that could be taken to achieve our strategic aims as well as a process of structuring these actions in detail according to their level of ambition and required resourcing. This part was carried out by Una.Resin WP1 in a process described above. The next phases: Phase II, Prioritisation and the Phase III, Implementation will take place beyond the duration of Una.Resin. Prioritisation of actions (matrix exercise) at the alliance's highest decision-making level is on-going in early 2024. It sets the frame to Phase three that foresees the implementation of those activities selected as priorities in the previous phase. Actions will be taken either in the framework of Una.Futura through the SSC strategies and action plans or, depending on the nature of action, as a project-independent all-Alliance activity guided by the Una Europa R&I Strategy and the Una Europa 2030 Strategy.