On March 1, 2024, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and the University of the Azores convened in a strategic discussion aimed at fostering future collaborations under the umbrella of the EXPER project. This initiative followed the establishment of individual strategies from Work Package 2 (WP2) and culminated in the development of a joint strategy designed to propel the current progress of the EXPER action plans.
The Joint Strategy, a collaborative effort stemming from the Co-Design Strategy of WP2, signifies a significant step forward in exploring avenues for cooperation between the two institutions. Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including innovation leaders, researchers, gender equality experts, internationalisation specialists, and educators, converged to chart a course for inter-institutional collaboration. This collaborative endeavour drew insights from both the widening ecosystems represented by the Canary Islands in Spain and the Azores in Portugal.
The University of the Azores (UAc) articulated its commitment to collaborating with ULPGC on several key fronts, including:
- Fostering an Entrepreneurial Culture: Cultivating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Promoting Research, Knowledge Transfer, and Innovation: Facilitating the dissemination and application of research findings for societal benefit.
- Developing a Committed University: Nurturing a sense of dedication and engagement among students, faculty, and staff.
- Fostering an Open and Connected University: Enhancing connectivity and collaboration within and beyond institutional boundaries.
Conversely, ULPGC outlined its aspirations for collaboration with UAc, including:
- Fostering Applied Research, Interdisciplinarity, and Internationalisation: Advancing interdisciplinary research endeavours with a global perspective.
- Promoting a Culture of Innovation and Technology Transfer: Encouraging the Adoption and Diffusion of Innovative Solutions.
- Investing in a People-Centric University: Prioritising the well-being and development of individuals within the academic community.
- Stimulating Cooperation, External Communication, and Social Connection: Facilitating synergies and partnerships while enhancing outreach and community engagement.
Internal stakeholders from both universities participated in an engaging online workshop to refine and validate the proposed actions, underscoring the shared commitment to advancing collaborative initiatives. The Joint Strategy emerging from this collaborative effort sets the stage for impactful partnerships aimed at driving innovation, knowledge exchange, and societal progress.
