LEUVEN, 31 May 2023
The leading universities of Science and Technology (S&T) united within CESAER today publish a position on ‘Deep tech unlocked by universities of science & technology’.
This position provides recommendations to create the conditions in which academic engagement with deep tech entrepreneurship at universities can be fostered, within a wider innovation ecosystem, from regional through national to European level, by highlighting the importance of four key dimensions for universities of S&T to (re-) assume their role as catalysts for innovation activity and to unlock the full potential of deep tech. These dimensions are:
Stefan Bengtsson (CESAER Envoy to the Swedish Presidency & President of Chalmers University of Technology) said:
“The efforts from the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU on strengthening deep tech entrepreneurship in Europe and beyond are welcomed, including the upcoming conference on ‘deep tech entrepreneurship for an innovative, resilient, and competitive internal market’. We urge the EU institutions to fully acknowledge the central role of universities of S&T in developing deep tech entrepreneurship emerging from academic research activities”.
Tim Bedford (Co-Chair of Task Force Innovation, Director of CESAER & Associate Principal of University of Strathclyde) said:
“Universities of S&T are at the forefront of developing deep tech and scientific solutions for the benefit of society. In particular, the people within universities of S&T, from students to researchers to professors, have the drive and capabilities to develop the best of innovative deep tech. Universities, government and the commission must provide the supportive infrastructure to enable and reward them. At the end of the day, it is all about the people.”
Toril Hernes (Co-Chair of Task Force Innovation, Director of CESAER & Pro-Rector at Norwegian University of Science and Technology) said:
“Deep tech entrepreneurship cannot succeed in isolation, which is why it is crucial to encourage cooperation both inside and outside the university, with industry and broader society, also providing the appropriate funding to support and boost such collaborations.”
For more information please contact Louise Drogoul (Advisor for Innovation & Sustainability).