Enhancing innovation through boosting technology watch knowledge and practices on manufacturing industry sectors
▶Summary
Through the implementation of the TECHGROW project we wanted to improve access and knowledge on technological watch processes to the current and future workers that make up the European traditiona...
▶Objectives
Through the implementation of the TECHGROW project we wanted to improve access and knowledge on technological watch processes to the current and future workers that make up the European traditional manufacturing industry (concretely footwear, textile and furniture sectors), with the final aim of boosting the implementation of innovative processes. The achieved SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES of the project are the following: SO1. Identify key sources of information and watch factors for companies of traditional manufacturing sectors and provide a methodology to do it. SO2. Offer pioneer training resources, free and open to current and future workers and VET providers. SO3. Facilitate systematic Technology Watch processes through innovative virtual platforms. SO4. Improve current and future VET offer on Technology Watch through the provided training resources and recommendations guide.
▶Activities
Activity 1: Information audits were conducted for each addressed sector, defining sources of information and watch factors. A workshop was held to agree on a survey for validating the results and on the methodological guide describing the entire process. Activity 2: A training itinerary was developed with the agreement of all partners, along with tailored training materials on technology watch for the addressed sectors. All materials were created in English and translated into the consortium's respective languages. Additionally, various virtual information platforms were developed to support a systematic technology watch process. Platforms, one per sector and available in multiple languages, were based on the previous information audit and facilitate systematic technology watch processes for companies and business associations. Activity 3: A capacity-building activity trained teachers and technicians on using the developed resources and platforms. Three sector-specific training workshops were conducted for SMEs and VET students in the Czech Republic, Spain, and Portugal, alongside a European-level webinar attended by over 60 participants. The collected feedback was instrumental in creating a guide for VET providers.
▶Impact
The concrete outputs of the TECHGROW project are summarized as follows: - Complete website (www.techgrow-project.eu) with all the developed resources and guides, and information about the project and related news. - Methodological guide on the carried-out information audit in English and consortium languages (CL) - Infographics summarising key results of information audit in English and CL - Training itinerary and briefing note “bridge TechGrow project to ESCO” - Training resources: three guides, with a total of more than 80 pages, in English and CL. - Three digital platforms aimed at keeping businesses and professionals in the furniture, textile, and footwear sectors informed about the latest industry advancements. Platforms are comprehensive tools for companies to access real-time updates and stay ahead in today’s evolving market landscape. - Internal and User manuals on the digital platforms - A guide with recommendations to offer VET courses on TW by any interested organisation. - Video of the webinar “Technology Watch: Fostering innovation” with the participation of external experts on TW and where project objectives and key outcomes were presented. - Promotional materials: leaflet, 4 newsletters and 2 videos