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Sustainable technological innovation at the heart of the University

Innovation and technology transfer play a major role in facing international competition in a globalized economy. Universities are taking a big place in this project. Indeed, Bordeaux INP, a public institution with a scientific, cultural and professional character, wishes to contribute to the process of innovation (1). The institute wants to strengthen the links between the scientific and economic world (1). Their objectives are to develop their visibility and the relationships maintained with companies (1). In order to achieve its objectives, the institution wishes to apply an industrial chair to each of the technical plateaus (1).

Major innovation projects

Several projects have emerged thanks to partnerships between universities and businesses. In 2004, “The Laboratory of the Future”, also called the “Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Innovation Pole” (2) opened its doors. This laboratory, created by Solvay, the CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) and the University of Bordeaux receives significant support from the New Aquitaine Region and local authorities (2). In partnership with the University of Bordeaux, the project team consists of 91 people, 19 of whom are alternates and trainees. In addition, Solvay is a science-based company whose technologies bring benefits in many areas of daily life (3). The aim of this laboratory is to improve the productivity of research and development through broadband methodologies, and to shorten the time it takes to market innovations (3).

In order to develop long-term innovation, the University of Bordeaux supports the innovation ideas of students to the market (4). This project, shared with the research partners of the Bordeaux site (CNRS, Inserm and INRAE), is regulated by a body called the “Innovation Committee”(4). The first phase of the process is the development of the concept, then the evaluation phase and to finish the development phase of the product and its marketing (4).

To make it easier to access the market, Aquitaine Science Transfer, a subsidiary of the University of Bordeaux, oversees projects. Indeed, the company is the interlocutor for the contractualization of collaborative projects. But also the negotiation of operating licenses on behalf of the University of Bordeaux (4).

From learning to landing in business

To develop innovative ideas, students need to train themselves. The University of Poitiers, ISAE-ENSMA and CNRS have inaugurated an INTREE university school (Interface in Aeronautics, Energy and Environment) (5). This school is launched by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the General Secretariat for Investment (5).

One of the objectives of this school is to train by research students specialized in the study, measurement and modeling of interface problems (5). The aim is to strengthen the University of Poitiers’ strong expertise in aeronautics, energy and the environment. All associated with the Pprime Institute and IC2MP (5).

However, it is difficult for companies to train students because of the health crisis. To drive innovation, companies must be willing to receive apprentices. On June 4, 2020, Muriel Pénicaud, Minister of Labour, announces a bonus for hiring apprentices for companies (6). The aim is to encourage societies to train more young people during the health crisis. For any recruitment between 1 July 28 February 2021,the financial aid for a minor student is 5000 euros, and for a major student, 8000 euros (6).

The support scheme is now extended to all companies and to prepare diplomas up to the professional license level. This assistance is essential, since in 2019, nearly 40% of the 485,000 young apprentices were preparing for a higher education diploma, and the companies that host them do not receive employment assistance (6). In addition, the State will also finance the computer and digital equipment of all apprenticeship training centres (6). Will this measure help the innovation sector to develop further?

Sources:

  1. Bordeaux INP Aquitaine, Technological innovation at the heart of Bordeaux INP’s strategy
  2. Solvay, Laboratory of the Future
  3. Solvay, About Solvay
  4. Companies University of Bordeaux, Management of innovation projects
  5. Press release
  6. Ministry of Labour, Employment and Insertion, Exceptional Financial Assistance for The Hiring of Apprentices
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