Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB), Portugal, received a delegation from the University West (UW), Sweden, on a strategic visit focused on strengthening institutional cooperation in applied research, doctoral training and work-integrated learning, within the framework of STARS EU.

The visit aimed to consolidate new avenues of academic and scientific collaboration between both institutions, with special emphasis on joint doctoral programmes, mobility, educational innovation and knowledge transfer, thus reinforcing their commitment to a structured and sustainable cooperation model at European level.

Research, innovation and knowledge transfer at the core

One of the central axes of the program was the reinforcement of collaboration in applied research and its connection with social and regional needs. During the visit, the delegation toured several IPB research centres and units, including LiveWell, CITeD, UNIAG, CeDRI and GICoS, where they learned about projects in areas such as health and well-being, education and development, applied management, digitalisation, smart robotics and sustainable construction.

The Swedish delegation was led by Per Assmo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalization at University West, and included heads of research, doctoral training, program coordination, and implementation of STARS EU. During their stay, the representatives held various working meetings with management teams, researchers and academic managers of the IPB.

 Advancing doctoral education and Work-Integrated Learning

Doctoral cooperation was high on the agenda, especially in areas such as Production Technology and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). The sessions addressed models of joint and double doctoral degrees, thesis co-supervision mechanisms, incorporation of doctoral students funded by third parties and governance frameworks compatible with the regulations of both institutions.

The WIL model, one of the distinctive elements of University West, was analyzed as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the connection between higher education, research and the labor market. Discussions focused on conceptual alignment, practical tools, expected outcomes and transferability of this approach within the context of STARS EU.

In addition to the planned activities, University West representatives visited other academic units of the IPB, such as the Higher School of Public Management, Communication and Tourism (EsACT) and the Higher School of Health (ESSa), expanding their vision of the training and scientific ecosystem of the Portuguese institution.

Towards a shared roadmap within STARS EU

The visit concluded with a strategic meeting in which both institutions defined priority areas for action, next steps and a timetable for future cooperation. This roadmap will serve as a basis for promoting joint initiatives in education, research, mobility and innovation, in line with the objectives of STARS EU as a European alliance committed to regional development, applied knowledge and social impact.

With this meeting, the IPB and University West reinforce their role as active partners within STARS EU and underline the value of international cooperation to generate concrete opportunities for students, researchers and communities across Europe.

The STARS EU universe was recently expanded with the introduction of a new TIG in Sustainable Industry. Representatives from all nine STARS EU partners met at University West, in Sweden, to draw up a strategic plan for the coming years.

We asked four questions to Mikael Ericsson, senior researcher in robotics and automation at University West, who leads the TIG.

The TIG Sustainable Industry is a relatively new TIG. What are your goals?

Today, the European industry faces major challenges that will affect its future. These areas are connected to new technology development, digital and energy transformation, and climate change. Also, to increase competitiveness between countries and companies outside Europe, the EU and industry must focus on regional and national value chains to shorten transportation and services linked to manufacturing various products.

These challenges affect competitiveness and opportunities for transformation and renewal. The TIG Sustainable Industry will support students and researchers, industry, and society with new and innovative technology and competencies by developing courses and starting new research cooperations and projects to meet the challenges faced by industry in Europe. These activities will generate and share new knowledge with the surrounding community.

What was the purpose of the meeting?

This was the first time the TIG had a face-to-face meeting with all partners participating. The main purpose was to get to know each other. Secondly, we wanted to discuss our strategic plan for the TIG for 2025 and 2026. Another aspect was to show the facilities at University West that could be of relevance to the Sustainable Industry TIG.

What were the most important points discussed during the meeting?

In the development of the plan, we were discussing how we can develop BIPs and micro credential courses, double degree programs and joint research projects. We also discussed how we can contribute to mobility, both for students and for staff, between our universities, and updated ourselves on future calls for research funding within the EU.

What will the focus of the TIG in the coming months?  

We will work with the implementation of the plan, focusing on courses and double degree programs. We will also plan for upcoming research calls by trying to set up a consortium with common research interests.