CONVERGING Shares Best Practices on Engaging Non-EU Companies in European Projects
To enhance international collaboration and foster inclusivity in European research and innovation, the CONVERGING project took center stage in a recent Best Practice Sharing Workshop, engaging with EURAXESS members, TECNALIA, and KAWADA.
EURAXESS, appointed by the European Commission, plays a crucial role in identifying new pathways for non-EU companies to engage in European projects. As global innovation increasingly relies on cross-border collaboration, understanding how to attract and integrate non-European partners has become a pressing topic.
During this insightful workshop, TECNALIA and KAWADA shared their experiences in the CONVERGING project, particularly highlighting KAWADA’s role as a Japanese company working within an EU-funded initiative. The session provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, challenges, and solutions on fostering international participation in research and innovation projects.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
💡 Engaging Non-EU Companies – What are the challenges, and how can we create more opportunities?
🔍 Intellectual Property (IP) Management – How are rights, ownership, and access to innovation balanced in international collaborations?
🌍 Strengthening Global Partnerships – What strategies can be used to make European projects more accessible to companies outside the EU?
The active participation of EURAXESS members led to a dynamic exchange of ideas, underlining the importance of simplifying access to European research programs for international partners. By sharing real-world experiences from CONVERGING, the workshop shed light on how to overcome legal, operational, and cultural barriers that may discourage non-European entities from participating in EU-funded initiatives.
As the CONVERGING project continues to push the boundaries of collaborative robotics and automation, sessions like these reaffirm the importance of inclusive innovation and global cooperation in shaping the future of smart manufacturing.