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RWTH Aachen Campus
Published on 16 March 2019
Germany
Köln
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About this good practice
The RWTH Aachen Campus was initiated in 2009 as part of the university’s “Strategy 2020” based on the status of an “Excellent University” since 2007. A total of 16 research clusters will be developed. Each of this form the contextual framework for long-term research. Each cluster comprises several centers. The centers are operative units, which focus on the development of visionary solution approaches for relevant topics. The topic focus of a center is defined by the relevant interdisciplinary team of scientists and the associated industry consortium for a period of three to five years. Short-term policy decisions are made jointly in twice-yearly general meetings.
Companies can become a member of the RWTH Aachen Campus and benefit from the different types of membership:
• Membership: The membership offers e.g. direct insight and influence in future research topics, access to an interdisciplinary team of scientists and exchange with other experts from academia and industry
• R & D: Enrolled businesses benefit from fast, high quality research results, reduced research and development costs
• Community: Participation in cluster and center activities like conventions, fairs or conferences facilitates exchange and networking.
• Further Education: Targeted further education programs of the centers offer opportunities for employees of enrolled businesses to improve their knowledge
• Services: The services offered include consulting, certification, approbation and more.
Companies can become a member of the RWTH Aachen Campus and benefit from the different types of membership:
• Membership: The membership offers e.g. direct insight and influence in future research topics, access to an interdisciplinary team of scientists and exchange with other experts from academia and industry
• R & D: Enrolled businesses benefit from fast, high quality research results, reduced research and development costs
• Community: Participation in cluster and center activities like conventions, fairs or conferences facilitates exchange and networking.
• Further Education: Targeted further education programs of the centers offer opportunities for employees of enrolled businesses to improve their knowledge
• Services: The services offered include consulting, certification, approbation and more.
Resources needed
A technological nucleus e.g. a university is needed for this interdisciplinary approach with a combination of multiple academic disciplines. For fundamental questions arising from the mega trends, flexible research approaches and perseverance are needed here.
Evidence of success
Actually 6 of 16 clusters for Bio-Medical Engineering, Sustainable Energy, Photonics, Production Engineering, Heavy Duty Drives and Smart Logistics have already been established. The next cluster will be the Innovation Factory.
From the total investment amount of 2 bill. euro, over 300 mill. euro has been invested and more than 280 companies are currently represented on RWTH Aachen Campus.
From the total investment amount of 2 bill. euro, over 300 mill. euro has been invested and more than 280 companies are currently represented on RWTH Aachen Campus.
Potential for learning or transfer
Mega trends like digitalization, globalization, climate change, mobility or the demographic development change the world and pose great challenges for society. Academia and industry are looking for solutions for these highly relevant topics of the future. Complex correlations and issues like these can only be addressed jointly by multiple academic disciplines. Teamwork is required, a combination of multiple academic disciplines.
The long-term interdisciplinary approach in co-operation between science an industry at the RWTH Aachen Campus with the different modules or categories of co-operation is a good example for sustained success and competitiveness.
The long-term interdisciplinary approach in co-operation between science an industry at the RWTH Aachen Campus with the different modules or categories of co-operation is a good example for sustained success and competitiveness.
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
RWTH Aachen University
Germany
Köln
Contact
Project Manager