Largest UIIN Conference Thus Far Re-Affirms the Importance of University-Industry Interaction

In its 5^th year, with nearly 500 participants from countries across the globe, the University Industry Interaction Conference attracted a record number of attendees and re-affirmed the importance of the discussion on university-industry interaction and entrepreneurial and engaged universities. Held at the Aviva Stadium on 7-9 June, 2017, the Conference brought together university leaders, practitioners and policy-makers to share knowledge, establish contacts, and exchange experiences to further nurture the development of a more engaged and entrepreneurial society.

The first day of the conference started with a wide variety of workshops from thought-leaders on University-Business Cooperation, Co-Working Spaces, Entrepreneurial Universities and Smart Specialisation. Also, participants visited multiple locations in Europe’s hub for technology start-ups and home to the European HQ of some of the world largest international companies. The tours included: Microsoft & Dog Patch Lab, Irish Distillers, Greenway Hub, University College Dublin, Institute of Art, Design and Technology and Diageo. In the evening, conference attendees gathered at the Front Door, for an evening of networking and fun.

The following day, organizers welcomed the participants and the Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton officially kicked-off the conference. Throughout the day presenters spoke about creating an innovative and entrepreneurial society, innovation in universities, student and academic entrepreneurs, knowledge and technology transfer, university business cooperation and many other related issues. The day ended with the outstanding keynote of Sherry Coutu, Serial Tech Investor and Entrepreneur.

In the evening participants were invited to the world-famous Guinness Storehouse, where the second day of the conference culminated with live music, flash mobs, delicious food and more importantly, the distinctively black, velvety Irish beer. The next day continued with interesting presentations and wrap-up of the event, where the organizers announced the winners for the best papers and case studies.

UIIN Conference this year for the first time hosted an exhibition area, where different companies, projects and organizations promoted their activities, products and services. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all sponsors and partners for their support to the event.

Would you like to see what happened in Dublin? You can now access more conference photos here

Conference materials are available at our conference library here

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