H2020 – 739578 – RISEResearch centre on Interactive media,Smart systems and Emerging technologiesWork Package WP2 / Deliverable D2.1Strategic planning bi-annual report No.1Work Package WP2Deliverable D2.1Due Date 31/10/2018Title Responsible Partner RISE (RISE)EC Distribution COEditor(s) Styliani Petroudi (RISE)Status DraftDate 31/08/2018Version 1.0Editor(s) Styliani Petroudi (RISE)Joe Hettinger (RISE)Contributor(s) Styliani Petroudi (RISE)Joe Hettinger (RISE)Reviewer(s) Approved by AbstractThis deliverable reports the progress achieved in RISE Teaming Project for (i) the establishment of a dedicated Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), (ii) infrastructure development planning, (iii) research strategic planning, (iv) innovation strategic planning and (v) defining goals, objectives and measures of sustainability. It also includes the First Strategic Bi-annual Report of the Centre.Keyword(s): RISE First Strategic Bi-annual Planning Report Contents TOC o “1-3” h z u 1.Executive Summary PAGEREF _Toc524885945 h 42.
Introduction PAGEREF _Toc524885946 h 43.Establishment of a Strategic Planning Committee PAGEREF _Toc524885947 h 44.Infrastructure development planning PAGEREF _Toc524885948 h 45.Research strategic planning PAGEREF _Toc524885949 h 56.Innovation strategic planning PAGEREF _Toc524885950 h 57.Defining goals and objectives for sustainability PAGEREF _Toc524885951 h 58.Defining measures of sustainability PAGEREF _Toc524885952 h 69.
Conclusions PAGEREF _Toc524885953 h 610.Introduction PAGEREF _Toc524885954 h 611.Establishment of the Centre PAGEREF _Toc524885955 h 612.
Transfer of duties and responsibilities to RISE CoE PAGEREF _Toc524885956 h 813.Physical infrastructures PAGEREF _Toc524885957 h 814.Human Infrastructure PAGEREF _Toc524885958 h 915.Maintaining Collaborations PAGEREF _Toc524885959 h 9Glossary AR: Augmented reality Comms: Communications CRM: Customer relationship management CUT: Cyprus University of Technology FDI: Foreign direct investment HFD: Human factors and design KPI: Key performance indicator MNC: Municipality of Nicosia MPI: Max Plank Institute for Informatics MRG: Multidisciplinary research group OUC: Open University of Cyprus PI: Principal investigator R&D: Research and development ROI: Return-on-investment RTD: Research and technology development RTDI: Research, technology development, and Innovation S3Cy: Smart specialisation strategy of Cyprus SROI: Social return-on-investment STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics SWOT: Strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats TRL: Technology readiness levels UCL: University College London UCY: University of Cyprus VR: Virtual realityPrefaceThis deliverable is the main effort to the aim of WP2 to develop, implement and monitor the required mechanisms for optimal strategic planning of RISE towards ensuring it becomes a self-sustainable, internationally recognised Centre of Excellence for research, technology development and innovation.We would approach this activity with the intention of producing a living document, a plan that would be revised and updated regularly.
This, we thought, would take the pressure off feeling that we had one chance to get the plan right. Furthermore, regular review of the plan would allow us to assess our implementation and re-plan as necessary, two steps that are considered important in successful planning processes (Chance, 2010; Shah, 2013; West, 2008). (0d)We were aware that the planning committee should, ideally, consist of the entire OESD team plus external stakeholders such as students, faculty, and senior administrators (Delprino, 2013; Hinton, 2012; Wilkinson et al.
, 2007), but made a decision to include only selected OESD members to begin. This decision was justified by the fact that the entire OESD team had contributed to the articulation of the strategic functions, mission, values, and vision, and we had a strong sense of key stakeholders’ opinions from the survey and interviews that had been conducted during the 2012 operations review. We also felt we might be able to make more rapid progress with a small, dedicated group. (0d)We also started to solicit ideas and plans from other educational developers via relevant listservs (e.g., the Educational Developers Caucus listserv) and conversations with other teaching and learning centre directors who had undertaken similar processes, and began to consider writing a paper and/or presenting our experiences at a conference.
TAKE A NOTE FROM 0d for general documentWe reviewed and discussed SOAR results and began to articulate overarching goals based on these.Four key goals ultimately emerged from this process: 1) curriculum and pedagogical practices, 2) faculty development, 3) program evaluation, and 4) the scholarship of teaching and learning. Focusing our efforts in these four areas would support our mission and help us achieve our vision (Carron, 2010; Hinton, 2012; Wilkinson et al. 2007), and would align with most of our previously determined strategic functions (Figure 1).Questions have arisen regarding alignment between OESD’s strategic functions and its mission, vision, goals, and actions.
(0d)We would adopt the strategic functions, mission, values, and vision drafted a year earlier.(0d)Overarching priorityFoundational prioritiesSpellman – they have objectives and then they also have strategic initiativesThey have an academic core goal (here would be a centre’s core goal and planning parameters (Spellman pg 32) followed by academic core objectives and initiativesOverarching goal of the prioritySUSTAINABILITY AS AN OBJECTIVE!VISIONTo position RISE at the vanguard of research and innovation on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies as an internationally reputable Centre of Excellence in key thematic (strategic) research areas.To establish RISE as an internationally reputable Centre of Excellence on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies and to position it at the vanguard of research and innovation in key thematic (strategic) research areas, through excellence, innovation and collaboration (or bridging scientific research with innovation outside academia). to establish, for the first time in Cyprus, a Centre of Excellence that fosters world-class research activities and at the same time serves as a paradigm for bridging scientific research with innovation outside academia.
The proposed Research centre on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies, with the apt acronym RISE, seeks to play a key role in the country’s RTDI reform, by bringing together an unparalleled team. The initiative is headed by the Municipality of Nicosia (the capital city of Cyprus), enjoys the united effort of all three state universities of Cyprus (UCY, CUT, OUC), and is backed by the invaluable expertise and committed long-term support of two world-leading science and innovation institutions of Europe (UCL, MPI). Scientists hired directly by RISE, complemented by senior scientists from all academic partners, will combine their expertise across an intellectually diverse set of research areas (e.g.
, computer vision and graphics, psychology, human factors, design, communications, artificial intelligence, machine learning). This critical mass of scientists will enable RISE to immediately undertake high-gain interdisciplinary SSP-centred and innovation-driven projects, which go beyond what Cyprus’ researchers have been able to pursue independently in their own institutions to date. MISSIONTo generate new research knowledge and enhance innovation that takes into account the central role of humans and reaches beyond the technological challenges of interactive media, to also investigate the cognitive and psychological aspects of interactive media applications (e.g., perception, memory, emotions, individual differences, environmental conditions, and contextual and cultural limitations of users) bringing together diverse and complementary expertise, creating synergies and the potential momentum to identify and tackle problems, and tackling problems based on the underpinning philosophy of a design process that is “Inspired by Humans, Designed for Humans”. in a tight synergy that provides a unique interdisciplinary research perspective that emphasizes an “Inspired by Humans, Designed for Humans” philosophy. that go beyond any single participant’s abilities . for the to establish, for the first time in Cyprus, a Centre of Excellence that fosters world-class research activities and at the same time serves as a paradigm for bridging scientific research with innovation outside academia.
Our Strategy (to…. Achieve our Goals?)RISE was setup by the Municipality of Nicosia (the capital city of Cyprus), uniting effort with all three state universities of Cyprus (UCY, CUT, OUC), and backed by the invaluable expertise and committed long-term support of two world-leading science and innovation institutions of Europe (UCL, MPI) though a Horizon 2020 Teaming Grant. RISE aims to become a world-renowned Centre of Excellence and a hub across the three continents bordering Cyprus, facilitating thus the local scientific, technological, and economic growth of the region. It identifies the potential of Interactive Media to bring together several scientific areas, yielding applications in the priority areas of the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Cyprus. Therefore, research in RISE integrates the Visual Sciences, Human Factors and Design, and Communications and Artificial Intelligence, in a tight synergy that provides a unique interdisciplinary research perspective that emphasizes an “Inspired by Humans, Designed for Humans” philosophy.RISE aims to:Increase the Scientific Research Performance of Cyprus.Support Innovation and Economic Growth in Cyprus Cultivate entrepreneurial and innovation culture.(GOALS)The Centre’s AIMS are (development implantation and outcome for follow-up):– To foster collaborative, multidisciplinary based research and innovation on Visual Sciences, Human Factors and Design, and Communications and Artificial Intelligence – To collaborate with local innovative businesses to solve real-life problems, aligned with the Smart Specialisation Strategy of the country.
– To facilitate the development of a number of key research thematic areas on Interactive Medial – to produce excellent and internationally competitive research to improve the country’s scientific research profile– To provide knowledge-based options addressing major societal challenges and opportunities in Interactive Media– To enable innovation and commercialisation of research outputs. To bring scientists, entrepreneurs, and the local authorities close together and cultivate a culture of innovation and creativity.To boost innovation in Nicosia and Cyprus at large.
To support the innovation and technology businesses with knowledge transfer, training, and state-of-the-art solutions to spur economic growth.The presented strategy covers the next 5 years and will be updated bi-annually. Scientists hired directly by RISE, complemented by senior scientists from all academic partners, will combine their expertise across an intellectually diverse set of research areas (e.g., computer vision and graphics, psychology, human factors, design, communications, artificial intelligence, machine learning). This critical mass of scientists will enable RISE to immediately undertake high-gain interdisciplinary SSP-centred and innovation-driven projects, which go beyond what Cyprus’ researchers have been able to pursue independently in their own institutions to date. CONTENTS COULD GO HEREIntroductionRISE is the first Research Centre in Cyprus focusing on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies aiming to become a Centre of Excellence empowering knowledge and technology transfer in the region. It was established in 2018 as a joint venture between the three public universities of Cyprus (University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, Open University of Cypurs), the Municipality of Nicosia, and two renowned international partners, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (Germany) and University College London (UK).
RISE is designed to act as an integrator of academic research and industrial innovation, towards the sustainable fuelling of the scientific, technological, and economic growth of Cyprus and Europe. It sets out to meet the challenge with a total potential funding of more than 40 million Euros for the first 7 years, from the Horizon 2020 Teaming Action, the Cyprus Government through the Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development, the European Structural and Investment Funds, the project partners and multiple other sources. The business plan of RISE is specifically tailored for long term sustainability and growth.RISE will operate by embracing the motto “Inspired by Humans. Designed for Humans producing technologies to work “in the wild” as its guiding philosophy.
Such a focus, geared towards applications and going beyond the traditional academic confines, is expected to bring direct tangible benefits to the local society, but also to ensure the prospects of an economically viable operation of the Centre.Executive SummaryThis deliverable is the main effort to the aim of WP2 to develop, implement and monitor the required mechanisms for optimal strategic planning of RISE towards ensuring it becomes a self-sustainable, internationally recognised Centre of Excellence for research, technology development and innovation.…LOOK AT 1. ERIS page 2(FROM BUSINESS PLAN) Research, technology development, and innovation (RTDI), is a key factor in the economic competitiveness and sustainability of Cyprus, and Europe.
RTDI has been receiving significant attention by policy makers and entrepreneurs in Cyprus over the last decade. Policy statements on the importance of RTDI for the development of a sustainable knowledge-based economy have been made time and again. These demonstrate a turn towards an new economic development model with innovation-led growth at its core; this is reflected in the tendency for a growing distribution of resources towards activities supporting this change Even though Cyprus showed an upward trend in RTDI activities due to accession to the EU (starting from a very low point), since 2012 we see a downward trend in all relevant indicators. The Composite Indicator of Research Excellence of the EU identifies Cyprus as a low-performing RTDI country. The current research and technology development (RTD) ecosystem is lacking while the innovation/entrepreneurial ecosystem, even though it is growing fast, is still at an embryonic stage.
New national strategies, policies and action plans are already addressing the almost complete breakdown of “communications” among the strategy, policy, operational, and policy recipient levels of the RTDI ecosystem that existed to date. It is widely accepted that the current RTDI system needs to radically change if it is to support the development of a sustainable knowledge-based economy. The Smart Specialisation Strategy of Cyprus is reflected in sizable allocations to research, technology development and innovation from ESIF and national sources, National Schemes in support of a growing research and technology development sector, business innovation and innovative products, the new National Policy Statement for the Enhancement of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (jointly formulated by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and the Unit of Administrative Reform under the Presidency, with significant quantitative targets and provisions to support Business Innovation. Small collaborative initiatives setting up start-up support, and acceleration facilities, are sprouting in Cyprus, particularly in Nicosia, indicating a surge of change of culture and the willingness of key actors to invest in this process. Particularly encouraging in this process is the development of Startup Cyprus that brings together at the grassroots level the start-up community, facilities, and actors from the academic, professional, and financial services sectors.
Sustainability and impact remain key issues in these commendable but fragmented initiatives. So, how do we turn Cyprus into a high-performing RTDI country? The Teaming proposal will cause the creation of RISE (incorporated as a non-profit company), the Research Centre on Interactive Media, Smart Systems, and Emerging Technologies as the answer. Bringing together the Municipality of Nicosia, 3 local universities (Cyprus University of Technology, Open University of Cyprus, and University of Cyprus) and 2 world-class international partners (Max Planck Institute for Informatics, and University College London), RISE will reengineer the ICT RTDI ecosystem and support the socio-economic transformation of Cyprus through:1. Developing world-class RTDI facilities and expertise in Interactive Media (focusing on the visual sciences, human factors and design, communications, and artificial intelligence) and related technologies 2. Performing world-class business-relevant and highly collaborative applied multidisciplinary RTD and becoming recognised as an international centre of excellence in the field 3. Collaboratively developing both the RTD and business potential of Cyprus across sectors and within sectors and becoming an international innovation/technology hub 4. Developing an integrated international innovation/entrepreneurship ecosystem centred on its RTD activities, unlocking and developing new business opportunities 5. Bringing together businesses of all sizes (local and overseas), RTD entities (local and overseas), the public sector, and civil society-at-large in a multidisciplinary way RISE will have a unique place in the innovation value chain of Cyprus, the EU, and beyond.
Our deliverable ambition is that RISE will bring together under a single roof an internationally unique combination of RTD know how, facilities and integrated innovation support activities RISE will serve as a role model for the innovation value chain both in Cyprus, the EU and beyond, through its holistic approach in RTD in interactive media and innovation activities (covering the whole value chain from fundamental research all the way to commercialisation).*****************************The 2018-2020 RISE Strategic Planning Report is supported by the Horizon 2020 efforts to spread excellence and broaden participation across Europe through the encouragement of low-performing Research Technology Development and Innovation (RTDI) “Widening” countries to further develop and take better advantage of their research and innovation potential with a number of specific measures involving investing, mentoring, networking, communication and thematic activities, through synergies with advanced countries. The Centre is also backed by the Cypriot Government that also wants to increase the opportunities to attract investments and upgrade Cyprus’ prospects for innovative research and entrepreneurship.Smart specialisation gives priority to investments in research and innovation activities that play into the regions’ strengths and therefore ensures a more effective use of public funds while stimulating private investment. (http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/spreading-excellence-and-widening-participation )The Centre identifies the potential of Interactive Media, as a unifying tool bring together several scientific areas, and a tackling point for yielding applications in the priority areas of the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Cyprus (S3Cy), that also gives the Center the ability to adapt to new priorities for smart specialisation that may come in the future. RISE has aligned its research into three research pillars (Visual Sciences, Human Factors & Design, and, Communication & Artificial Intelligence) and is establishing Multidisciplinary Research Groups (MRGs).
The MRGs work (that tackle) is/will be inspired by real-world problems (especially in the S3Cy), that best reflect the interdisciplinary research basis of the Center, are likely to have both research-related and socioeconomic impacts. (WHAT ABOUT THE FRGs – This combination is achieved through the use of two instruments: (a) the Fellowship Research Groups (FRGs) which provide the opportunity to go in depth in one of the research areas; their discovery-driven nature providing the potential to find novel technical ideas or fundamental principles, and (b) the Multi-disciplinary Research Groups (MRGs) that span expertise over more than one of the pillars, creating novel applications with view to the market needs.) – Maybe the FRGs should be presented under each pillar (in a separate paragraph that gives the corresponding explanations?)The Centre’s Research Strategy integrates the Visual Sciences, Human Factors and Design, and Communications and Artificial Intelligence, in a tight synergy that provides a unique interdisciplinary research perspective that emphasizes an “Inspired by Humans, Designed for Humans” philosophy. (http://www.rise.org.
cy/en-gb/home/). The strategy, which builds on the Centre’s existing research strengths, aims to create a critical mass of researchers within interdisciplinary thematic areas and to fuel excellence in research and innovation leading to sustainable job creation and economic growth. The Centre aims to act as an integrator of academic research and industrial innovation that will be strategically situated to allow for easy access from all over the country near the buffer zone, right across from the “creativity quarter” of the Turkish-Cypriot community. RISE will foster the development of an inclusive innovation and creativity ecosystem at the heart of Cyprus’ capital to stimulate aiming develop and strengthen Nicosia’s but also the country’s bridging scientific research with innovation outside academiaRISE will be a platform for collaboration for all entities in the QCI area, and ultimately across Nicosia and beyond, merging their services and its own into a cluster of research and innovation that stimulates the national entrepreneurial ecosystem. to foster the development of an inclusive innovation and creativity ecosystem at the heart of the city.prospects for innovative research and entrepreneurscreate the potential to bring the creative startups and the business community of the island togetherhelping thus the fight of unemployment and preventing brain drain.RISE is designed to act as an integrator of academic research and industrial innovation, towards the sustainable fuelling of the scientific, technological, and economic growth of Cyprus and Europe.
Apply an interdisciplinary approach to the study and the development of interactive media that augments technological solutions with design, social, and human-centred approaches that can work “in the wild”. The success of this objective will be evaluated based on the quality and quantity of scientific output (e.g., journal and conference publications, invited presentations, circulated ideas) and technological outcomes (e.g., commercial products, patented solutions, etc.
) stemming from the Centre’s activities. Based on the expertise of the Advanced Partners, we will set realistic goals in terms of targeted outcomes for each year of the Centre’s operation. (http://www.rise.org.cy/en-gb/about/objectives/ ) In the last three years of Horizon 2020 efforts will be intensified to spread excellence and broaden participation across Europe. This will be achieved by encouraging organisations in Widening countries to further develop and take better advantage of their research and innovation potential through a number of specific measures involving investing, mentoring, networking, communication and thematic activities.
(http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/spreading-excellence-and-widening-participation) RISE aims to promote scientific research over politics, create the potential to bring the creative startups and the business community of the island together, when circumstances allow, and to rejuvenate out of its RTDI slumber a deprived area in the heart of the old city.A strategic plan has been developed by MNC to establish an innovation ecosystem in the heart of the city, and transform Nicosia into a business innovation hub for the country and the surrounding region. RISE has identified the following strategic priorities objectives for the first three years of its operation:BUILD RESEARCH CAPACITY (PEOPLE AND INFRASTRUCTURE) – objectives 1-2 (KPIS for these)RISE aims to establish a strong base of excellent researchers building on the existing strong network of expert academics involved in the Centre. The Centre aims to attract high-caliber researchers with expertise in its Strategic Research Areas of Interactive Media (focusing on the visual sciences, human factors and design, communications, and artificial intelligence) and related technologies. The infrastructure that will permanently house the RISE is currently under construction and should be completed before the end of 2019.
The new infrastructure will provide for state of the art facilities for Interactive Media that will enable the researchers to achieve their full potential. RISE will build the research capacity (both in terms of people and infrastructure) that will lead the change towards the creation of an innovation ecosystem in the heart of Cyprus’s capital through developing both the RTD and business potential of Cyprus across sectors and within sectors. The Centre aims to become an international innovation/technology hub. exception group of academics eThe Institute aims to build on the existing strong cohort of active ERI researchers by attracting exceptional new researchers who can contribute to achieving the strategic targets of ERI thematic research areas. Specific infrastructure needs which will enable Principal Investigators to realise the full potential of their research have been identified and prioritised. The Beaufort Laboratory on the IMERC campus at Ringaskiddy will provide new space for an expanding ERI research community and will become the world’s largest marine renewable energy facility upon completion in 2014.Develop world-class RTDI facilities and expertise in Interactive Media (focusing on the visual sciences, human factors and design, communications, and artificial intelligence) and related technologies Develop both the RTD and business potential of Cyprus across sectors and within sectors and become an international innovation/technology hub PERFORM EXCELLENT RESEARCH AND BUILD SUSTAINABLE INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH THEMATIC AREAS (either and build or research in sustainable) (objectives 1, 6)RISE will perform world-class interdisciplinary research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence delivered by building high-calibre multidisciplinary research teams coordinated by the scientific partners (THERE ARE KPIs INVOVLED IN THIS) and new research team leaders with expertise in the Center’s Strategic Thematic Areas. While its RTD capabilities will span the whole spectrum from fundamental research all the way to pre-competitive development, the emphasis will be on business-relevant RTD.
The Center will explore collaborative opportunities of applied, business-relevant, multidisciplinary research with academia and industry, within and across its thematic (Pillar??) areas and will leverage its interdisciplinary expertise to address challenges that fall within Cyprus’ Smart Specialization Priority Areas to attract research funding.scientific research with innovation outside academia.research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence delivered by building high-calibre multidisciplinary research teams coordinated by the scientific partners (THERE ARE KPIS INVOVLED IN THIS)RISE Perform world-class business-relevant applied, collaborative multidisciplinary RTD and become recognised as an international centre of excellence GROW A DIVERESE RESEARCH FUNDING BASE (KPIs research programmes)RISE, with the support of its Advanced Partners, will proactively help the Centre’s researchers to target and secure significant research funding in collaborative competitive calls in the national, EU and international fora. Growing a diverse funding base is imperative for the Centre both to support its operational capacity and as part of its goal to promote economic growth in Cyprus through increased innovation. The Centre will particularly help researchers to target funding calls and programs in collaboration with industry in research subjects that fall within Cyprus’ Smart Specialization Priority Area. Progress towards meeting this objective is assessed by several measures including the number of international funding proposals RISE submits, the number of local partners involved with RISE proposals, the number of independent proposals supported by RISE, by the success rates and by the actual funding secured.Representative KPIs from Section 2.2 include KPIs 9, 12 & 13to id in The Despite a very competitive funding environment, many opportunities still remain for ERI researchers within the new Horizon 2020 programme and from national research funding linked to priorities within the Forfas Prioritisation Review.
The Institute will in particular help researchers to proactively target key programmes within Horizon 2020 where 60% of the total budget is compatible with ERI research thematic areas.Both to support its operational capacity and as part of its goal to promote economic growth in Cyprus through increased innovation, supported by the Advanced Partners RISE will secure significant research funding in collaborative competitive calls at EU and international levels. While RISE will endeavour to have local partners in these grant funded projects, the expertise that RISE develops in identifying, winning and delivering RTDI grant funded opportunities will be offered to local academic and commercial organisations helping them to secure RTDI grants to support and expand their capacity (LC12,L13,L14,L15,L17,L22,LC31, LC45,LC46,LC48,L51,L52,L53).Progress towards meeting this objective is assessed by several measures including the number of international funding proposals RISE submits, the number of local partners involved with RISE proposals, the number of independent proposals supported by RISE, by the success rates and by the actual funding secured.Representative KPIs from Section 2.2 include KPIs 9, 12 & 13Establish Strong External Engagement EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT (MAYBE HERE HAVE THE SOCIAL TOO)The ERI will increase efforts to give internal and external visibility to the Institute and its thematic research areas. It will endeavor to raise further awareness of the relevancy of ERI research in helping to contribute to national economic recovery and sustainable development in Ireland.
This will include strengthening links with other Irish third level institutes and international research institutes.RISE will have a strong presence and endeavor to create strong links with businesses of all sizes (local and overseas), RTD entities (local and overseas), the public sector, and civil society-at-large in a multidisciplinary way, across its thematic research areas. As RISE will focus on injecting the outcomes of research and development into the Smart Specialisation Areas that have been identified by the local authorities as the priority areas for future development, the Centre will strive to raise awareness of the importance and relevance of its research to economic growth and sustainable development in Cyprus. The Centre aims to establish strong links not only with national organizations but also with EU and International Research Institutes, Universities and Companies with the support of its Advanced Partners.DEVELOP AN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM AND LINKS TO INDUSTRYA key priority for the institute will be to increase interactions with industry in areas where there is mutual benefit.
The Institute will develop improved structures and systems to interface with industry thereby ensuring a “sustained interactivity” between ERI researchers and industry. The Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC) and Energy@Cork initiatives will provide a focus for enhanced industry interaction in the marine renewables and energy research areas.An overarching aim of RISE is to establish itself, and by extension Nicosia and Cyprus, as an internationally recognized research and innovation hub on interactive media. As such, one of the key priorities for RISE is to develop an integrated national and international innovation/entrepreneurship ecosystem centred on its RTD activities, unlock and also develop new business opportunities.
The Centre will establish robust and durable links with industry through well-defined structures and systems, in a multitude of areas, as ICT is a cross cutting horizontal national smart specialization priority. RISE will collaborate with and help companies with their RTDI activities. The Center will engage SMEs as partners in RTD and innovation. The intention of RISE is to be able to commercialise in-house RTD output, without competing with its partners and clients, and also help businesses achieve their potential.
ENHANCE POSTGRADUATE, POSTDOCTORAL AND INNOVATION TRAINING (NOT SURE WHERE THIS SHOULD GO!!! – before the strengthen external engagement or here)The Institute will continue to maintain and develop a supportive research environment and culture for all ERI researchers. It will also further enhance the researcher training experience by putting in place additional supports for training in areas that facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and complementary generic skills development that will assist the researcher’s career trajectory.RISE will develop a vibrant learning environment and culture, providing students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the public at large, with a plethora of training opportunities, such as research seminars, training seminars as well as a number of innovation and other group activities. The Centre aims to especially establish different technical courses that can have a substantial contribution towards an effective entrepreneurial ecosystem. and enable the capacity to adopt innovationstraining environment will , An imp will reinforce teamwork and cross-discipline collaboration.IntroductionEstablishment of a Strategic Planning CommitteeT.
2.1 – Setting up a Strategic Planning Committee (Months 1-84)Leader: RISE, Participants: all partnersA dedicated Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) for dealing with issues related to the expansion and long-term sustainability of RISE will be formed. The Committee will include representatives from all three departments of the Centre (Research, Innovation and Operations). The Committee will 1) be responsible for advising the RISE executive management on opportunities and actions for the future development of RISE, and 2) report on the existing status of the Centre with regard to long-term sustainability.Infrastructure development planningT.2.
2 – Infrastructure Development Planning (Months 1-84)Leader: RISE, Participants: all partnersA key factor of RISE success is the timely acquisition of required infrastructure that will support the Centre’s operation and expansion. Of particular importance is the technological equipment available at RISE that will allow it to perform cutting-edge research and innovation activities in a cost-effective manner. As part of this task, the available RISE infrastructure will be reviewed annually, and based on documented needs of the personnel, a strategic infrastructure expansion plan will be formulated in order to guarantee the timely provision of the required infrastructure. Important elements of the planning process will involve the design of the necessary infrastructures, services, and platforms thatwill guarantee the reliability and security of software- and hardware-intensive systems. By the end of the project’s Phase 2, RISE will have prepared a strategic technology plan, documenting upcoming technology initiatives and their rationale in accordance with RISE’s mission and vision in order to safeguard the long-term sustainability of RISE. This plan will include hardware, software, and facility resources aligned with budget requirements and timelines.Research strategic planningT.2.
3 – Research strategic planning (Months 1-84)Leader: RISE, Participants: all partnersRISE has set up a strategy with regard to research directions and allocation of resources for the first 7 years of its operation. In particular, RISE aims to: combine multimedia, computer graphics, visualisation, interaction, and human factors in all RISE-related applied research, as described in Section 1.3.2; research and develop solutions within the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Cyprus; support RISE researchers through funding, facilities, and representation; intensify efforts to make free software available to the global open-source community; and develop partnerships with international universities as well as industry. RISE’s research strategic planning will be revised and amended yearly by the RISE board and quality assurance committee (see WP3).Innovation strategic planningT.
2.4 – Innovation strategic planning (Months 1-84)Leader: RISE, Participants: all partnersInnovation activities play an important role in the RISE Centre operations. One of the first issues to be considered will be that of participating and forming clusters in collaboration with other entities. The innovation strategy (see WP6) of RISE will undergo continuous assessment by the Strategic Planning Committee so that the innovation department can adapt their priorities in order to act pro-actively on changes taking place both at local and international levels. The process of strategic planning of innovation activities will be informed by the Advisory Committee, involving members related to innovation activities both at local and international levels.
Defining goals and objectives for sustainabilityT.2.5 – Defining goals and objectives for sustainability (Months 1-84)Leader: RISE, Participants: all partnersTo ensure its sustainability, RISE will aim to orient its economy to high-added-value activities.
RISE has outlined specific goals and objectives (see Section Objectives) to ensure its sustainability, including (i) scientific, academic and research objectives aiming to increase the research intensity of the region, and (ii) innovation, entrepreneurial and economic objectives aiming to support the entrepreneurial culture and economic growth of Cyprus. Within this task goals and objectives will be refined by the assessment of any external parameter that may affect the Centre’s performance and smooth operation.The Strategic Planning Committee will also review the KPI figures on its bi-annual strategic planning and revise them to ensure that they remain challenging and stimulate high performance.Defining measures of sustainabilityT.2.6 – Defining sustainability measures (Months 1-84)Leader: RISE, Participants: all partnersEvaluating its progress and achievement of its objectives is crucial for the success and sustainability of RISE. RISE has decided the main metrics to be used to measure the achievement of the abovementioned goals and objectives during Project Phase 1; these metrics will be revised and amended yearly.
Such metrics include (i) monetary surpluses that RISE generates traditionally measured through an economic lens e.g. measures of profit margin, return on investment (ROI) etc. and (ii) RISE’s impact to society and its communities measured through the Social Return on Investment (SROI, evaluating the impact on stakeholders, identifying ways to improve performance, and enhancing the performance of investments in staff and equipment). The strategic planning bi-annual report will contain an explicit section regarding the level of fulfilment of sustainability related goals, and will be prepared in such a way that progress in all areas is continuously monitored.ConclusionsAdditional Staff – Could be useful Definitions Adopted from 0d.Do not have to use all just maybe get an idea for a fewAppendix 1Definitions adopted for our strategic planning process and theauthors that influenced them• Actions: are specific activities developed to accomplish the objectives and strategic goals; provide detailson accountability, completion deadlines, resources required for completion, and how each action will beassessed and evaluated (Sevier, 2003).• Goals: are a series of statements articulating the broad strategic initiatives needed to achieve theorganization’s vision (Nauffal & Nasser, 2012; Wilkinson et al., 2007).• Mission: is a concise statement delineating why the organization exists and its reason for being; describesthe here-and-now for the organization and what it is here to do (Hinton, 2012; Kotler & Murphy, 1981;Wilkinson et al., 2007)• Objectives: translate broad strategic goals into a series of precise, measurable statements articulating thesteps and processes necessary to achieve the strategic goals and realize the organization’s vision; should beachievable within the period covered by the strategic plan (Carron, 2010; Hinton, 2012; Nauffal &Nasser, 2012; Wilkinson et al., 2007).• Strategic planning: is a dynamic process that establishes where an organization is going and how it willget there; is sensitive to changing internal and external environments and the decisions required tomaintain strategic fit within this context; sets in motion a plan of action that provides direction for theorganization and, through a common understanding of the mission, vision, values, and broad strategicgoals, provides a congruent framework of objectives and actions that move the organization toward itsenvisioned future; creates a strategic plan that bridges the gap between institutional mission and vision(Carron, 2010; Hinton, 2012; Kotler & Murphy, 1981; Mastrodonato, 2007; Shah, 2012; Wilkinson etal., 2007).• Strategy: addresses a problem that the institution faces or an opportunity it wishes to take advantage of;implies big-picture thinking and a plan of action; is best used to set direction, focus efforts, encourageconsistency of effort over time, and promote flexibility (Chance, 2010; Mintzberg, 1994; West, 2008).• Values: represent a list of ideals and behaviors that individuals working in the organization believe areimportant for how they do their work (Hinton, 2012; Nauffal & Nasser, 2012; Wilkinson et al., 2007)• Vision: is a concise statement that articulates where the organization wants to be in the future; clearlyexpresses what the organization could and should become (Hinton, 2012; Wilkinson et al., 2007).Additional Points to CheckCheck that the abbreviations are all included in the project acronyms table.In partnership withCheck that I have the Centre written when RISE is not named and also check that it is written always in the same way
