Project UNIcorn Will Accelerate Research-Based Innovations and Strengthen Entrepreneurship
Since the European Commission aims to strengthen research and education institutions' innovation and entrepreneurship potential over the next few years, 23 consortia from 32 countries were selected through a call for proposals launched by The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). One of the chosen institutions - Vilnius University (VU), will implement the UNIcorn project in cooperation with a consortium of international partners, which aims to develop technology transfer processes in science and study institutions and strengthen entrepreneurship education.
A broader goal of this project is to strengthen the capacity of research and study institutions operating in the Baltic region to commercialize research and innovation-based solutions and to develop entrepreneurship and partnerships with business enterprises. Kristina Babelytė-Labanauskė, head of VU Innovation Office and UNIcorn project leader believes that involvement of VU in the activities of the EIT opens up new opportunities for more effective integration into the knowledge and innovation communities and strengthens research-business partnerships.
“UNIcorn project, which involves ecosystems and various partners of the project participants, will contribute to strengthening the so-called "third mission" of universities. Therefore, alongside traditional university objectives - studies and research – the university’s social and economic role in addressing societal challenges will be strengthened when collaborating with local or regional university ecosystem partners. This presumably will contribute to the development of high value-added state or region’s economy in the Baltic states”, K. Babelytė-Labanauskė highlights.
Prof. Dr Saulė Mačiukaitė-Žvinienė, head of Entrepreneurship and innovation development at VU Business School, believes that this initiative of the European Commission will lay a solid foundation for the development of such culture not only in VU, but also throughout the country.
“The main goal of VU Business School is to increase the competencies required for the development of entrepreneurship and innovations, therefore we are happy to contribute to this project. Ensuring sustainable ecosystem between research and business, integration of global science commercialization practices into the university, research-based strategic decisions facilitating Lithuania's economic competitiveness must be natural goal with wide range of activities for university. I believe that,” Prof. Dr. S. Mačiukaitė-Žvinienė says.
VU implements UNIcorn project together with Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn University, University of Tartu, Stockholm School of Economics in Riga and TECNALIA Research & Innovation. A total of 135 higher education institutions will participate in this European Commission initiative, with a budget of almost € 28 million for strengthening the innovation capacity of higher education across Europe.
The EIT’s HEI Initiative is a key objective for the EIT as part of its new strategy, the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda 2021−2027. The initiative aims to support higher education institutions with expertise and coaching, access to the EIT innovation ecosystem, and funding, enabling them to develop innovation action plans complementing the needs of individual higher education institutions. As part of its Pilot Phase, the initiative has provided funding to 23 projects, with the next call for proposals expected towards the end of 2021.
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an EU body and an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The Institute supports dynamic pan-European partnerships, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities, among leading companies, research labs and universities.
