Objective

High level of technical specialisation could limit people’s ability to generate innovations. The project will implement and test an itinerary of learning events and contents, supported by a knowledge and learning platform, to create and train T-shaped innovation champions with the skills to transform new knowledge into a business value proposition through learning by doing methodology, following customer development and lean start-up approach.

The solution (technology)

Knowledge and Technology per se don’t generate value. A proactive and customer oriented attitude together with a business mindset is required to explore and create innovation and new business models.  The project proposes an itinerary to help researchers and other technical profiles to transform knowledge generated in their projects, thesis, etc. into a value proposition for the market. Doing this participants can create new lines of business within their organisation (and thus become an intrapreneur) or create a new companies.

The proposed itinerary is based on lean start-up approach where one of the main activities is to contrast rapidly ideas with potential customers, stakeholders, etc. and to understand their needs. Learning by doing methodology will be used. While working in a project or thesis, participants will acquire knowledge and skills that generate specialists in the raw materials processes and technologies, including the environmental and sustainability aspects. Participants should have at least a project, topic of the thesis, some previous results in their organisation, etc. The project will also be the vehicle to develop transversal skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, customer development, market orientation and business perspective, and the abilities to ideate and prototype solutions to contrast with industry and therefore to create innovations for the industry and society.

Also online courses related to technical topics in raw material (mining, recycling and materials chain optimization and design of products and services for the circular economy ) and about innovation, intrapreneurship, business models in circular economy, etc. will be available for a broader audience.

A learning and knowledge platform will be customised and available to support the contents, assignments, follow-up, and will facilitate the online interaction of the community of learners.

Another result is the creation of an international community that learns together by sharing experiences and learning by doing. Participants can be graduated researchers or technical people from universities, research and technology organisations or industrial enterprises in the Raw Material sector.

Partnership

  • Fundación Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Spain (Lead Partner)
  • Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland
  • Mondragon Corporation S. Coop., Spain
  • Mondragon Goi Eskola Politeknikoa (MGEP), Spain
  • Monolithos Ltd, Greece
  • Outotec Oyj, Finland
  • Relight S.R.L., Italy
  • RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Sweden
  • Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. VTT), Finland

For more information, please visit the project website.