Consortium
APRE is a non-profit association established in 1989 by the Italian Ministry of Education and various public and private entities to address the need for information on EU research programs.
With a network of over 150 members, including research centers, universities, and trade associations, APRE promotes the exchange of best practices and advocates for its members. It hosts HORIZON EUROPE National Contact Points and serves as the EURAXESS Bridgehead Organisation for Italy.
APRE ACCELERATION SERVICE:
CAPACITY BUILDING AND OUTREACH
CAPACITY BUILDING AND OUTREACH
Invest in human resources to foster economic growth, cooperation and HEIs’ competitiveness.
It aims to provide HEIs with methods, skills and capabilities to develop transformation strategies related to specific RRI fields and topics in a participatory way, relying on knowledge sharing, mutual learning, Twinning schemes and tailor-made webinars on specific R&I topics.
Through the use of this service, universities can address challenges more effectively, by fostering a collaborative environment conducive to meaningful progress and sustainable change in the higher education landscape.
Capacity building and outreach goals
- To establish a collaborative knowledge-based environment that encourages peer networking
- To accelerate progress in key areas outlined in the European Research Area (ERA), specifically: Transnational cooperation Local innovation Interoperable skills
- To facilitate a multi-level knowledge transfer process, encouraging mutual learning and exchange of experiences between HEIs and relevant stakeholders.
- To achieve a more open and inclusive Research and Innovation (R&I) system.
- To improve the capacities within HEIs to make Open Science and RRI standard practice in modern science.
- To foster interconnected knowledge ecosystems.
methodology (MML workshops)
Preparatory phase
Choose the Intervention Areas and topic at the core of the institutional change and define outcomes.
Organisational phase
1-2 meetings [HEI + facilitator] to discuss and agree on the Agenda and stakeholders to involve
Implementation phase
1st session (frontal) to share good practices. 2nd session (co-creation) to collect relevant inputs from participants and stakeholders to advance towards the identified institutional change.
Evaluation phase
Reflecting on the service’s effectiveness, impact and takeaways for HEIs’ local contexts and goals.
methodology (Twinning Exchange)
Preparatory phase
Matchmaking analysis: more experienced and less experienced HEIs.
Organisational phase
1-2 meetings between the visiting and hosting institutions to develop and agree on the Agenda
Implementation phase
1-2 days on-site visit for executive staff at the host institution. The visiting institution (the less experienced organization on the selected RRI topic) has the possibility to:
- take part in “mentoring” sessions;
- exchange good practices;
- learn from peers.
Visiting HEIs bring back what have learnt in their local contexts.
Evaluation phase
Reflecting on the service’s effectiveness, impact and takeaways for HEIs’ local contexts and goals.
APRE CAPACITY BUILDING AND OUTREACH
Accomplishments
- Knowledge sharing and Mutual Learning methodology
Development of a detailed methodology and plan for the implementation of the knowledge sharing and mutual learning programme among the implementers.
- MML and Workshops implemented
7 MML workshops and 21 Twinning exchanges were implemented in 7 HEIs in real world settings on the following topics: Responsible Research practices, Open Science and Research ethics and integrity, Public Engagement & Outreach, Sustainable Finance in HEIs.
- Support toolkit for HEIs
To support HEIs in the implementation of this service, APRE, as facilitator of this activity, provides HEIs with a detailed Toolkit including checklist, templates, guidelines and guiding questions.
- 14 live webinars available online
A series of online seminars designed to provide HEIs with insights and strategies for institutional transformation. These webinars feature expert speakers who discuss best practices, research findings, and actionable strategies.
Testimonial
“Capacity building and Outreach has helped VUMC to further define the action plan at university level and increase understanding of stimulating responsible conduct of research in an international context. Participants came from different universities across Europe so we were able to gather opinions and ideas from many different perspectives.”
APRE ACCELERATION SERVICE:
cOMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE (CoP)
Share expertise and experiences on institutional changes
A collaborative group of practitioners, formed by Academia and other quadruple helix actors.
This service serves as community where members can collaboratively address challenges, exchange insights on innovation, provide advice and guidance on methodology and work towards institutional transformations.
By connecting a wide array of stakeholders, CoPs foster a culture of continuous improvement and support HEIs in better aligning their strategies with regional, national, and European innovation goals.
Community of Practice Goals
- Establish a network of experts in Higher Education Institution (HEI) transformation transformation in the field of R&I from the quadruple helix from the quadruple helix of Research & Innovation.
- Provide advice on methodologies, resources, and tools to maximize the impact of the CATALISI project’s outcomes.
- Enhance project activities with expertise, methods, stories, cases, tools, and publications to create practical learning examples.
- To create a collaborative space for joint activities, discussions, and experience sharing aimed at building collective knowledge in HEI transformation.
- To accelerate governance transformations in CATALISI HEIs for Research & Innovation, strengthening collaborations and alliances among European universities.
- To offer strategic guidance, new ideas, and solutions to inform project activities and support institutional transformation
CoP Methodology
Selection of CoP Members
CATALISI Open call published including Engagement guide, Concept Note and Terms of Reference
Establishment of a CoP on Institutional changes in HEIs
120+ stakeholders from around Europe subscribed in the CATALISI CoP. Database created
Activation of CoP Members
Involvement of members as speakers in project activities according to their field of expertise. Dissemination of events and organisation of MML events to maintain engagement
Sustainability of the CoP
Online collaborative space in project website (CATALYST hub Collaboration) filtered by areas of expertise. Creation of a collaborative LinkedIn Group. Synergies with the aupauEu Agora Platform.
Accomplishments
Engagement of 120+ CoP Members from EU
Over 120 members from several EU countries (Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany), have been engaged. Their expertise and interest cover institutional change in areas such as Open Science, public engagement, research careers, talent support and sustainability in research.
CoP members as experts and speakers
CoP members have been involved as mentors/coaches or experts in key activities, such as speakers in live webinars (e.g. Dr Johanna Havemann) or as members of our Evaluation Acceleration Board (Dr. Jesus Alcober).
Database and Online Collaborative Platform
A comprehensive database and online group has been crucial to reach out to CoP members and inform/invite them in key project and EU events and initiatives.
2 Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Workshops
Organisation of 2 workshops on Inspirational examples on institutional transformation of HEIs in R&I agenda and Preparing for the future key skills for research careers_agenda to enhance engagement and knowledge-sharing
Team
The APRE team possesses essential capabilities for the CATALISI project, focusing on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and institutional transformation. Key points include:
- Expertise in managing EU Research and Innovation projects.
- Experience across various sectors enhances understanding of collaboration challenges and opportunities.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches, vital for connecting Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) within the living lab framework.
- Direct experience with the European Commission and EU funding
- Skills in developing knowledge-sharing methodologies and facilitating knowledge transfer, promoting interconnected knowledge ecosystems among partners.
