As the first phase of IMPACTWHEEL comes to a close, the VCW Team reflects on the significant contribution of the Value Creation Wheel (VCW) methodology. Brought into the project by the VCW Lab, from NForumExecutivos (NFE), the VCW methodology has helped partners across seven countries and ten institutions work with clarity, alignment, and a shared methodological foundation.
During this initial phase, partners mapped good practices in innovation and entrepreneurship, established a common analytical framework, and prepared the basis for the development of training programs and pilot initiatives. The VCW has been central to this work, enabling structured collaboration and informed decision-making across the consortium.
From Carcavelos to the Consortium: Building a Strong Foundation for Collaboration
The project began with an intensive VCW Sprint Certification in Carcavelos, hosted by the VCW Lab @ Nova SBE, where partners were introduced to the VCW methodology. The training was led by Professor Luís Filipe Lages, Full Professor at Nova School of Business and Economics (SBE), creator of the Value Creation Wheel (VCW) methodology, and Academic Director of VCW Lab @ Nova SBE. Through this certification, institutions learned how to apply the VCW consistently, whether to map good practices, design training activities, or analyse innovation processes within their universities.
Using the VCW, partners identified key activities and resources across the consortium and selected those with the greatest potential to become part of the IMPACTWHEEL training nuggets. This shared methodology was essential for achieving strategic alignment, giving partners a unified way to compare practices, recognise strengths, and prepare coordinated initiatives for the next phases of the project.
In the months that followed, the VCW team continued to support partners, helping them apply the methodology effectively within their institutional contexts.
Identifying and Mapping Best Practices Across Institutions
Throughout the months that followed, the process of identifying and mapping good practices was conducted and coordinated by Sara Gomes, Executive Director of the VCW Lab @ Nova SBE, who guided partners through the structured application of the Value Creation Wheel (VCW) methodology. Partners were supported in identifying their existing activities in innovation and entrepreneurship, ranging from training initiatives to incubation support and academic programs.
By applying the methodology to generate, filter, and assess ideas, the consortium was able to:
- Highlight practices with strong potential for transferability
- Understand how different institutional contexts shape successful initiatives
- Identify opportunities for adaptation and scaling across countries
- Build a clearer picture of the consortium’s collective strengths
This work created a structured basis for future collaboration and set the stage for more targeted activities in the next phases.
Integrating the VCW into IMPACTWHEEL Training
The first phase of the project also marked the introduction of the VCW methodology into the IMPACTWHEEL training nuggets. Partners have begun applying the VCW in their own training activities, bringing the methodology into classrooms and learning environments across the consortium.
As a result, the VCW is already reaching students, academics, and non-academic staff in the seven European countries from the consortium. Its use is helping participants approach innovation and entrepreneurship with greater structure and clarity, while supporting the development of practical problem-solving skills.
The VCW team is thrilled to hear the positive feedback coming from partners and participants alike, reflecting the enthusiasm with which the methodology is being adopted. This early response highlights the growing impact of a shared approach across the IMPACTWHEEL community.
Looking Ahead
The first phase demonstrated the value of having a common methodology to guide collaboration in a diverse, multi-country consortium. By using the VCW to structure discussions, compare approaches, and identify promising practices, IMPACTWHEEL has created a coherent starting point for the work ahead.
The next phase will build on these insights, continuing the shared effort to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education across Europe.
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To learn more about the VCW Methodology, feel free to reach out to VCW Lab@Nova School of Business and Economics, via vc*@*****be.pt, or visit https://www.valuecreationwheel.com/