InfraBooster GEA
Government Executive Academy
An executive-level training program for public sector representatives deepening knowledge of innovations and sectoral regulation, helping address societal challenges across Europe.
The application process status: closed in 2024
Academy is a capability-building program that offers insights into challenges related to Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategies and sectoral regulation. Academy offers capacity building and support for leveraging research infrastructures that could be supported by regional and national governments with a view to strengthen science-industry collaboration.
About Academy
InfraBooster Government Executive Academy 2024 differs significantly from previous editions of GEA in terms of contents, structure and learning approaches.
InfraBooster team welcomes applications from graduates of past GEA cohorts who might still benefit from participating in the new program, focused on policies supporting the effective use of research infrastructures in regional and national innovation ecosystems.
Eligible applicants
Eligible applicants need to meet the following criteria:
- Reside and work in one of the regions covered by EIT Regional Innovation Scheme: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye, Ukraine.
- Be employed in the public sector (including regional and central government officials as well as professionals working in state agencies, regulatory bodies, public universities or public research institutes);
NOTES:
- InfraBooster Government Executive Academy is intended for participants representing regional and national authorities, who participate in the design, implementation and/or monitoring of Research & Innovation Smart Specialization Strategies (RIS3) and/or innovation policies.
- Applicants also have to prove relevant knowledge and experience in public policy development on a regional or national level and demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and willingness to share knowledge with other participants of the Academy.
- Bring diversity. We strongly encourage applications from various geographical regions, submitted by specialists in multiple fields, and women.
Course outline
InfraBooster GEA equips public sector representatives with knowledge and skills deepending their understanding of mission-oriented research, effective knowledge transfer and policy-mix creation to help address societal challenges across Europe.
The course is delivered as synchronous online training, involving presentations, discussions, case studies, and individual and team assignments.
- Mission-oriented Research & Innovation: an introduction to the concept of research and innovation directed towards solving specific societal challenges; an explanation of its significance in addressing pressing issues and driving sustainable development based on Eurostat research.
- Leveraging research infrastructures (RIs) for knowledge transfer: knowledge transfer via RIs; technology transfer, spin-offs, contract R&D, analytical services and education and the opportunities for making money from commercial access to RIs; target audiences for knowledge transfer.
- Disclosure of research infrastructures "sleeping beauties": the definition of "sleeping beauties” - RIs of scientific organisations that open opportunities for; industrial collaboration and revenue generation: benefits, limitations, and risks; criteria for selecting research infrastructures: identifiable, relevant, and competitive; strategies for awakening "sleeping beauties".
Learning outcomes
GEA learning outcomes (LOs) are designed to equip participants with an understanding of mission-oriented research, effective knowledge transfer, and policy creation. LOs reflect the goal of enhancing the participants' capacity to bridge the gap between research and innovation, fostering regional development through strategic science-industry collaboration.
Upon the successful completion of GEA, the participants will be able to:
- propose and prioritize research & innovation initiatives as part of policy mix to achieve maximum societal impacts, in particular leveraging the potential of research infrastructures (RIs) for science-industry collaboration [Technology management];
- recognise and articulate the importance of mission-oriented research & innovation policies for regional and national innovation ecosystems [Critical thinking];
- recognise and articulate the value and relevance of RIs owned by scientific organisations for industrial collaboration and revenue generation [Technology management].
Development and implementation
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