About us
IMPACTWHEEL is a project consortium of the Cohort 4 of the EIT Higher Education Initiative.
✔ Mix of experience and fresh insights
We are a consortium of experienced and novice partners from diverse parts of the knowledge triangle (KT), we produce a set of mechanisms, based on a train-the-trainers and ambassadors’ approach from the knowledge acquired by partners with previous experience in HEI/EIT Initiatives that are benchmarked and transferred to the new EIT entrants.
✔ Various views unified by methodology
Our concept demonstrates the obvious connections between innovation, business, and education. 6 universities, 2 intermediary organizations representing HEIs, and 2 businesses with experience in innovation and entrepreneurship are all part of the KT, with a wide geographic reach across Europe.
✔ Geographical diversity
To maximize impact, the IMPACTWHEEL cooperation is culturally and geographically diverse. Special attention is paid to the representation of Horizon Europe Associated and RIS nations (Italy, Latvia, North Macedonia, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and the United Kingdom (Scotland)).
In line with the Smart Specialization Strategies and the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme, the actions of our initiative, framed inside our Innovation Vision Action Plan, will be targeted at developing competencies and delivering impactful solutions to answer global and societal challenges.
Methodology
🚀 PHASE 1: April 2025 – December 2025
Step 1: Map Good Practices
– Use the VCW approach to filter and retain the best content
– Produce common tools for consortium institutions
⛛ PHASE 1: April 2025 – December 2025
Step 2: Filter & Align Practices
– Use filtered good practices from Step 1
– Align with internal and external actors
🧑✈️Phase 2: January 2026 – April 2027
Step 3: Share & Pilot
– Share filtered entrepreneurial practices in consortium institutions
– Pilot advanced skills & competences training schemes
– Nurture and mentor entrepreneurial teams
– Support start-up creation and scaling with RTO expertise
🏛️PHASE 2: January 2026 – April 2027
Step 4: Institutionalize
– Involve HEI top management, rectors, vice-rectors, policy makers
– Conferences and meetings with industry stakeholders
– Continuous improvement and adaptation to technology and legislation
🌱 PHASE 2: January 2026 – April 2027
Step 5: Sustainability & Future Planning
– Plan actions beyond project duration
– Ensure long-term sustainability and impact
Work packages
WP1:
Project Coordination
Ensures effective management, coordination, and delivery of project activities within budget.
WP2:
Good practices collection based on a VCW approach and a quintuple step mode
Focuses on classifying and pre-piloting good practices and innovation tools using the VCW Funnel. Aligns partners through a structured 5-step co-creation and problem-solving approach.
WP3:
Co-creation of Training & Mentoring Nuggets
This work package is concerned with the development of training programs and mentoring tools based on WP2 insights. Involves all HEIs in pilot delivery to students, staff, SMEs and start-ups.
WP4:
Piloting & evaluating the training nuggets
Extends and validates training pilots with enhanced protocols and feedback. Includes pitch events and deeper business collaboration.
WP5:
Steps for institutionalization – implementation, knowledge cruise and community embeddedness
Focuses on scaling and embedding entrepreneurship within HEI structures and local ecosystems. Promotes long-term sustainability and impact.
WP6:
Assessment of HEIs engagement processes and updating of the IVAP
Evaluates HEIs’ engagement and innovation performance using metrics co-developed with the VCW Funnel. Updates IVAP based on results.
WP7:
Communication and dissemination planning and implementation
Promotes project outcomes through targeted dissemination and communication. Supports visibility in local and international ecosystems.
WP8:
Performance and efficiency evaluation
WP8 is the work package that assesses the overall efficiency and long-term sustainability of the project. Aligns with S3 and RIS3 policies.
