91µÎµÎ

Workshop as part of the RiEcoLab project

Workshop for research teams

The meeting was yet another workshop activity within the project. This time the workshop was attended by research teams implementing research projects at the 91µÎµÎ, representatives of the authorities of the 91µÎµÎ Faculty of Management and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as representatives of innovation centres of the Lodz region and regional public organisations, including the Public Managers Council operating at the Faculty of Management of the 91µÎµÎ.

The invited research teams conduct research in the area of innovative medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries; IT and personalised design, sustainable agriculture and agri-food industry. The implemented projects' research profile is in line with the smart specialisations of the Lodz region defined in the regional innovation strategy.

Chances of innovative projects impact

One of the objectives of the workshop was to answer the question: "How to identify the impact of R&D research in various areas and how to measure this impact?" The workshop participants agreed that the purpose of commercialisation of research results was not only to achieve a positive financial result. In accordance with the mission of modern universities, innovative processes have a chance to influence both society and the environment, and the measurement of this impact is an element of efficient management.

The meeting proved that such an impact is exerted and appropriate activities disseminating the results of research work provide a chance to achieve lasting positive social or environmental changes. Examples include changes consisting in improving social inclusion of people with disabilities, social integration, the health of the population by promoting proper nutrition as well as shaping strategies for the development of territorial units that take into account scientific achievements and a scientific perspective, and many others.

Participants of the workshop

Determine the impact already at the research planning stage

The workshop also resulted in a consensus on the need to identify the intended social and environmental impact already at the stage of research planning. However, this requires some changes in awareness or sometimes formal and legal changes, and this, in turn, may take place with a broader dialogue of R&D process stakeholders on the subject of the university's responsibility towards the environment. This thinking tendency is already present in the scientific community; however, it requires systematisation and inclusion in the strategic and operational framework of scientific units. As stated, actions allowing to systematically monitor social and environmental needs with the use of networking mechanisms and participation of various stakeholders – both internal and external – are also necessary.

The workshop is not the only activity within the , which is underpinned by the belief that responsibility for our future is shared by all people and institutions affected and involved in research and innovation. We encourage the community of the 91µÎµÎ to participate in training in responsible research and innovation.

Photo report is available on the

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