The strategic partnership between the University and NCC builds on the collaboration agreement “Överenskommelse om samverkan” signed in 2016, which aimed to establish and develop long-term relationships for knowledge development and knowledge building. During the period, the parties have carried out student activities, research projects and joint theme days, and the collaboration has been rewarding.

“Our strategic partnership is a further development of the collaboration we have had. We simply want to do more things together, both broadening and deepening our collaboration, as we see a mutual benefit in doing so to strengthen education, research, innovation and communication in the long term,” says Harris Stamatopoulos, of the Innovation Partnership Office, who is the partnership leader.

Working group and activity plan guide the partnership

As partnership leader, Harris Stamatopoulos is a member of the working group that coordinates the University in relation to the partnership. The work is led by Joakim Widén of the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, who serves as Partnership Manager. Equivalent roles exist at NCC.

“Everything we do together in the partnership is based on an activity plan that the working group both draws up and then regularly follows up. The activity plan is a living document, and activities can be added on a running basis. The important thing is that the activities add value for both parties,” explains Harris Stamatopoulos.

What is in the activity plan today?

“It is still taking shape, but we are discussing some customised study visits, project and degree work, research seminars and joint research projects, as well as the development of new courses and education programmes,” says Harris Stamatopoulos.

He adds that sustainable development, digitalisation, and innovation are some of the prioritised areas in the partnership.

“Through concrete collaboration in education and research, we can help to meet the needs of both parties in these areas,” says Harris Stamatopoulos.

Opening up new opportunities for researchers and teachers

Collaborations in education are already planned for this autumn, including degree projects, study visits and education initiatives related to lifelong learning. There are also concrete plans for research seminars to identify joint project ideas.

“The partnership provides a platform for collaboration with the business community, and makes it easier to bring the right people together. It enables things to get off the ground more quickly,” says Harris Stamatopoulos. He then continues:

“There is a lot to be gained by getting involved, from new contacts and opportunities for skills development and finding partners for research and innovation projects to project and degree work for students.”