K-TRIANGLE

The Knowledge Triangle Shaping the Future of Europe

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'There is a modernisation process ongoing at the universities in Europe. The necessity of modernising the universities does not imply that all have to go the same way or that all universities need to become similar in organisational setup, orientation and priorities. But, with the concept of the knowledge triangle in mind, the European universities generally need to modernise so that education, research and innovation are regarded as apparent tasks for the universities, with recognition of the value of further interaction and interplay between these tasks. This is a challenge for many. Status quo is not an option.

To begin with, the issue of the knowledge triangle and the meaning of it, is important to bring up on the agenda. More specifically, concrete examples and subsequent discussions are planned in two dimensions during the conference.

First, thematically, where four broad areas of science are dealt with in parallel sessions (life sciences/health; social sciences; technology/IT; humanities/fine arts). Knowledge transfer and information flow may look and operate different in different disciplines or areas of science. These differences must be taken into account; there is no single formula which can be applied upon all disciplines, all universities in all European countries.

Following that line, secondly, there will also be parallel sessions where regional examples are put forward and where we discuss how the better integration within the knowledge triangle can support modernisation of universities from a regional perspective. Particular regions in UK, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Sweden will be in focus.

In this way it is the goal of the organisers to highlight the concept of the knowledge triangle on the political agenda, to inspire policy makers and representatives at European universities and provide concrete examples of good practise from various scientific fields as well as different geographical regions.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

By bringing together academia, science and education, the EU is creating a powerful knowledge society in Europe. A recent conference has released important results and recommendations in this direction.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Evolution and modernisation are important components of university education in Europe. Education, research and innovation - three pivotal elements - must always act in concert to help universities modernise. This concept, known as the knowledge triangle, has occupied European policy-makers in recent years.

Academia in Europe has been looking to encourage modernisation in four main areas of science, namely life sciences/health, social sciences, technology/information technology (IT), and humanities/fine arts. However, it is important to keep in mind that knowledge transfer and information flow can operate quite differently across these scientific areas; there is no single formula applicable to all disciplines and all universities in all European countries.

During its Council (of the European Union) Presidency, Sweden took the initiative to further the concept and realisation of the knowledge triangle, taking into account the idiosyncrasies of different disciplines and institutions. The aim was better coordination of the three knowledge triangle elements, with the impact of education entrepreneurship being a key instrument in this endeavour.

'The knowledge triangle shaping the future of Europe' (K-triangle) project, funded by the EU, was established to build a pivotal conference that would explore the issue. All the stakeholders of the three sides would be involved, offering valuable recommendations that support the implementation of the knowledge triangle.

The conference, which took place in 2009, attracted a multitude of specialists with insights into European and global trends as well as different directorates within the Commission. Efforts to reach the younger generation through an open registration process and the use of many channels resulted in attracting 300 people. The conference's preparation process and the strong attendance paved the way for insightful conclusions that were subsequently utilised by the Swedish Presidency at a political level.

The conference explored the commitments, resources and leadership necessary for the creation of a truly knowledge-based society. It investigated how the knowledge triangle can be the guiding principle for the development of universities and can incorporate industry and society.

The conference's final report provides a detailed, interesting overview of the presentations and discussions that took place; it was sent to all participants, and displayed on the Swedish presidency website (http://www.se2009.eu/), as well as on the website of the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education. If applied, the conference outcomes and recommendations have the potential to enhance the knowledge triangle to the benefit of all parties involved: industry, academia and research are all winners in this arena.