RRI Leaders Project

UN Global Goals

Institution

ZHAW School of Management and Law

Author

Alexandra Grammenou

Partnership Category:

External partnerships to enhance SDG-centric research activity – e.g. research consortia, collaborations

Name of Partnership:

RRI Leaders Project

Primary purpose:

Research Consortium as part of a EU Horizon 2020 funded research project

Contact for this partnership:

Prof. Christian Vögtlin & Dr. Florian Roth

Practical involvement:

This partnership is a close collaboration between 9 organisations in 5 different countries in Europe. The countries that the organisations are situated in, are in Greece, Spain (Catalonia), Bulgaria, Switzerland and Denmark. In each country except for Denmark, a research institution is working with a territorial partner for example in Switzerland ZHAW and the Center Corporate Responsibility is supporting as a methodological partner the Municipality of Thalwil in Canton Zurich. The project is focused on enhancing responsible research and innovation (RRI) in the territories and the development of sustainable policy frameworks. In Switzerland and Greece the policy focus is on energy transition, while in Spain is on circular economy and aging population and in Bulgaria it is sustainable development and digital transformation.

Benefits of this partnership to the institution as a PRME Champion:

This applied research project has lead to an evaluation of the university's responsible research and innovation policy and has brought very interesting results in sustainable development trends and the connection to territorial governance that can be shared with the wider PRME community. It has also helped expand our international network and gain valuable perspectives from partners in other european countries, while producing scientific publications with an actual positive impact.

Benefits of this partnership to the partner institution(s):

The Center Corporate Responsibility having a long experience in conducting applied research has supported all partners during the research process. The example of Thalwil has served as a best case example for the other European regions giving inspiration in the topic of energy transition for territories.

Spillover effects/cross pollination/impact of this partnership:

The impact of this partnership can be seen in the attention that it has received from the local media like the Swiss television and newspapers who have communicated about it. It has initiated a lot of changes at the territorial level in the Muncipality of Thalwil, where a lot of regulations and policies are currently being processed and being under change like the development of a new diversity and gender equality plan.