The white paper, which has now been published by the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Bayreuth, focuses on the question: From a university's perspective, how should innovation ecosystems be designed so that they generate high momentum with clearly recognisable added value for companies? On this basis, the University of Bayreuth's offerings and governance structures have been further developed in recent years to make a targeted contribution to the regional innovation ecosystem and increase its benefits for companies – from tailor-made transfer and networking formats to joint innovation projects and support for scaling and market launch.
The Bayreuth model in four phases
The Bayreuth model systematises cooperation between stakeholders in four phases – from identification and mobilisation to networking and implementation of innovation projects. This results in a structured process, particularly for companies: within the framework of the Bayreuth model, company-specific challenges and innovation needs are first systematically identified and prioritised in order to create a clear basis for cooperation. These needs are then linked to the service portfolio of the University of Bayreuth, such as research expertise, (real) laboratories, technological expertise, innovation skills or start-up support, so that tailor-made offers can be created for the companies. Building on this, concrete innovation projects are initiated together with the corporate partners, closely monitored and reviewed in terms of implementation success and impact. Successful projects deepen the collaboration, strengthen the bond between companies and the university, and form the basis for further cooperation and scaled activities.
Focus: Concrete innovation projects instead of non-binding exchange
Companies have always sought contact and exchange with the University of Bayreuth. However, the focus is no longer on pure exchange, but on the joint development and implementation of concrete innovation projects. These are based on clearly defined goals and key figures and range from new products and services to innovative business models. This creates direct added value for companies – and a long-term strategic relationship with the University of Bayreuth as an innovation partner.
"This is where the future is being reimagined," says David Eder, Transfer and Innovation Manager at the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. "We want to encourage companies in Upper Franconia to use cooperation with the University of Bayreuth as a real driver of innovation – with clear projects, results, and added value for both sides."
Strong regional partners and high added value for Upper Franconia
"Funding from the federal-state initiative 'Innovative University' and support from the Upper Franconia Foundation and the Adalbert Raps Foundation are enabling the expansion of the innovation ecosystem. Thanks to clear structures and a focus on implementation, existing and future funds can be used efficiently and generate high added value for Upper Franconia," says Dr. Petra Beermann, Director of Transfer and Innovation at the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Dr. Ingo Schmidt, Director of Controlling at TenneT TSO GmbH and member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Bayreuth, describes how companies experience the Bayreuth model: "For us, the added value of the University of Bayreuth's innovation ecosystem is clearly recognisable. We see the collaboration as a strategic partnership – with concrete innovation projects that support us in overcoming our entrepreneurial challenges and drive us forward with additional impetus."
With the Bayreuth model, the University of Bayreuth invites companies in particular to rethink future topics together and make them usable in collaborations – from the initial idea to implementation on the market.
The white paper is now available: Download
