Conference proceedings June 25, 2020 | 2 minute read

Proceedings of the 2020 University-Industry Interaction Conference

UIIN

In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 University-Industry Interaction Conference marked a significant milestone as our first-ever online gathering. Despite the physical distance, it brought together the collective wisdom of academia and industry to explore new dimensions of knowledge exchange and innovation. This conference featured a total of 16 papers, comprising 6 academic contributions and 10 practitioner insights, all aimed at advancing the dialogue on university-industry collaboration.

In the academic track, we delve into pivotal subjects such as enhancing interactions between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and SMEs to stimulate research and innovation, the role of entrepreneurial universities, and the importance of lifelong learning for engineers. We explore innovative training methodologies for fields like water sports tourism, emphasizing the resilience of academia-industry ties even in times of suspense.

The practitioner track offers a practical lens on driving university-industry collaboration forward. We discuss tools like the Spiral Model and the Research Readiness Level Tool to enhance collaboration. Additionally, we explore collaborative approaches for low-emission urban districts, transnational cooperation initiatives, industrial mentoring for junior researchers, and the evolving landscape of university-industry relations in the context of Industry 4.0.

As you immerse yourself in these proceedings, we extend our sincere appreciation to the authors, reviewers, and participants who contributed to this groundbreaking online conference. Together, we exemplify the resilience and adaptability of academia and industry in the face of global challenges.