Swedish academia, industry, and society join forces to set the EU innovation agenda on tech
Together with Technology Industries of Sweden, RISE, FAM, and the Stockholm Region European Office, the University Alliance Stockholm Trio has launched Tech it Further — a joint initiative to strengthen Europe’s technological competitiveness.
Sandra Di Rocco speaking in the panel "Industrial Engagement and Investments in Horizon Europe and European Competitiveness Fund" at launch of Tech it Further
Tech it Further was launched on 15 October at Sweden's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels with over 100 participants in attendance and speakers from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the participating organisations of the initiative.
Sandra Di Rocco, Professor of Mathematics and Head of the School of Engineering Science at KTH, represented Stockholm Trio. She emphasised the importance of safeguarding research excellence and long-term thinking, strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, and simplifying administration.
“It's the crazy ideas that become start-ups!” Di Rocco added, also highlighting students’ contribution to the innovation chain and the need to safeguard “big minds” in academia.
A platform for dialogue – and for finding the right EU funding
Tech it Further will serve as a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas in Brussels, where industry, academia, institutes, regions and decision-makers meet. The aim is to reduce the innovation gap, strengthen EU's competitiveness and support Swedish actors, from researchers and SMEs to larger companies and regions, in finding and taking advantage of EU funding opportunities.
“By bringing together actors from Swedish industry, academia and the public sector, Tech it Further can give Sweden a clear voice in Brussels to strengthen Europe's technological competitiveness,’ says Dan Andrée, senior advisor at Stockholm Trio's Brussels office.