Science and business operate at fundamentally different speeds, which remains one of the main obstacles to effective cooperation in Europe. Businesses expect answers within days, while academic institutions follow the rhythm of semesters and research procedures. Experts from Poland, Italy, and Portugal point to the need for systemic changes at both local and EU levels.
In Poland, the gap between the potential for cooperation and its actual implementation is particularly visible. The Silesian region, home to over 556,000 registered businesses and one of the country’s largest academic centers, exemplifies this challenge. Prof. Celina Olszak, rector of the University of Economics in Katowice, notes that companies often need quick responses, while researchers operate on a different timeline. Additional barriers include difficulties in managing intellectual property and limited awareness among entrepreneurs of what universities can offer.
Several European countries have developed effective models to bridge this divide. In Italy, doctoral internships co-financed by companies have proven to be one of the most efficient tools. Prof. Flaminia Nicora from the University of Bergamo explains that in this model, the research topic is jointly defined by the company, the doctoral student, and the university. This creates a win-win situation where the student produces valuable research while addressing real business needs. Students also gain practical competencies that boost their employability.
Lessons from European cooperation models
Portugal offers another example. While there are no specific legal regulations supporting university-business cooperation, grant programs that require the involvement of business partners play a key role. Prof. Ana Vaz Ferreira from the Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco highlights the European Bauhaus4EU project, which develops regional living labs. In these labs, scientists, entrepreneurs, local authorities, and residents jointly test new solutions. This approach shows how traditional academic models are gradually giving way to applied research aimed at rapid implementation in the economy.
The need for stable EU funding
Despite these national efforts, systemic financial support from the European Union remains crucial. Prof. Olszak emphasizes that dedicated research projects should be created for European university alliances like Bauhaus4EU. Currently, funding is largely based on the Erasmus+ program, which focuses on teaching and mobility. High-quality education, she argues, is impossible without strong research. University rectors from all European alliances have communicated this position to the European Commission. What universities need most is stable, long-term funding to plan research development and cooperation with the economic environment.
Poland is still in the process of building a mature culture of cooperation between science and business. In the most innovative countries, these relationships are more systemic and long-term. In Poland, a significant portion of joint ventures still relies on public funding, while private spending on research carried out with universities remains below potential. The upcoming conference „Nauka, rozwój, biznes” in Warsaw in November will address these challenges and ways to improve the effective implementation of research results.
Source: wnp.pl, Photo: Materiały prasowe / Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach
