On 9–10 September 2025, the Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WrocławTech) hosted a benchmarking site visit within the CLiCAM project. The event gathered project partners from Slovakia (FunGlass Centre), and Czechia (CEITEC VUT Brno, Institute of Plasma Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences – IPP). The two-day visit provided a platform to exchange experiences and best practices in strengthening research and innovation capacities, with a strong focus on collaboration between academia and industry.
The first day featured a series of presentations and discussions on institutional strategies and practical solutions supporting excellence in widening countries.
- Widening as a core for common problems in the academic sector – Polish solutions
Participants learned how Polish universities address structural challenges such as research funding gaps, limited international exposure, and the need for sustainable talent development. WrocławTech shared concrete approaches that can inspire similar actions in other widening countries.
- From Academia to Application: Best Practices in Industrial Doctorates at WrocławTech
The presentation showcased how doctoral programs are designed in close partnership with industry, ensuring students gain both academic excellence and practical problem-solving skills. This model highlighted pathways to foster innovation while preparing highly qualified graduates for the job market.
- Empowering Excellence: Staff Support Practices at WrocławTech
This session, presented by the Polish National Contact Point (NCP), outlined effective approaches to supporting academic staff in their professional growth. It highlighted tools and initiatives that strengthen research performance, enhance participation in EU programmes, and improve international competitiveness.
- Unite! For R&I Excellence in Widening Countries – Best Practices from the Unite.Widening Project
The session provided insights into the pan-European Unite! alliance and its efforts to support widening institutions. Attendees discussed opportunities for synergies between CliCAM and Unite! projects, particularly in mobility, training, and joint research.
- Case Studies of WrocławTech’s Cooperation with Industry
Several successful partnerships with regional and international companies were presented, ranging from joint R&D projects to long-term technology transfer collaborations. These examples underlined how strategic cooperation fuels innovation and strengthens regional ecosystems.
- Intellectual Property Management at WrocławTech
The university’s comprehensive framework for managing patents, copyrights, and licensing agreements was explained. Attendees learned how transparent IP policies encourage researchers to engage in technology transfer activities.
- Commercialization Processes at WrocławTech
The final session highlighted mechanisms that help transform research outcomes into market-ready products and services. Participants explored how commercialization offices support scientists and ensure that innovations reach industry and society.
The second day was dedicated to a bilateral meetings, followed by laboratory visits, enabling participants to gain deeper insight into ongoing research activities and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Strengthening Cooperation
The benchmarking visit in Wrocław fostered knowledge exchange on key institutional practices, from staff development and doctoral training to technology transfer and industry cooperation. By sharing successful approaches and challenges, CliCAM partners took another step toward building stronger research ecosystems and fostering innovation across widening countries.
