Feasibility Analysis for the New Mechanism of Knowledge Transfer within the INDUSAC Project

In September 2022, the Horizon Europe INDUSAC project introduced a novel mechanism for knowledge transfer, extending the usual company-researcher partnerships to include students as well. Between March and May 2024, thirteen co-creation projects involving international teams of students and researchers solving companies’ challenges, were carried out. This study describes results of surveys given to companies, students and researchers about their experience in the projects, and the level of usefulness of solutions made possible by the collaboration. Initial results indicate that the INDUSAC mechanism is relatively well accepted among companies, with room for improvement in certain aspects such as the user-friendliness of the platform and the time allowed to solve a challenge. Overall, around 30 % of co-creation projects have demonstrated true value to the company involved, and there is potential in the further 50 %. Selected testimonials from companies, complimenting the work of students and expressing their own belief that the students are richer for the experience as well, demonstrate that the INDUSAC mechanism shows promise in knowledge transfer.