Collaboration between the DEIB and companies can take various forms.
The DEIB promotes strategic alliances with industry through the sharing of research and development activities. This can take two main forms: joint participation in competition calls for national or international research projects or the stipulation of research contracts.
Overall, contracts and research projects developed with industry account for about 90% of departmental funds and are one of the main activities carried out by DEIB members. Approximately 45% of the projects are fully financed by companies, while the remaining 55% are co-financed by public bodies, mainly EU funds.
There are different types of contracts with companies:
- University framework agreements represent a general agreement between the Politecnico and a company. They define a common field of research and set out how resources, materials, personnel, theses, and more are to be exchanged. These agreements facilitate long-term collaboration between the parties.
- The Politecnico's JRPs (Joint Research Platforms) are framework agreements managed directly by the university, as a result of which the departments and research groups required for the activity are involved in an interdisciplinary perspective.
- At the department level, scientific collaboration agreements can be concluded on a specific project and in a non-financial manner. Naturally, if a concrete product or a specific service is to be realized, a research contract is drawn up.
- Research contracts can be proposed for activities with a predominantly innovative purpose in the scientific or technical field, in method or substance, at the theoretical and/or application level;
- PhD fellowships and research grants are another form of research collaboration. They involve an interest in a common research topic and full or partial funding by the company. A research contract is often attached to the fellowship depending on the commitment required of the lecturer.
In addition to the possibility of joint development of research projects, there is also the possibility of access to consultancy services. The Department carries out research activities on behalf of companies, which may include studies, laboratory tests, analyses, calibrations, measurements and compatibility checks, and other specific activities requested. These activities are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, and the economic and contractual conditions are established by mutual agreement.
The various forms of collaboration offered by the Department make it possible to establish research and cooperation relations with companies, promoting the sharing of knowledge, the development of joint projects, and scientific and technological progress.
The Department can offer training and refresher courses for employees of interested companies. This may include training programs tailored to the specific needs of the company or participation in courses and workshops organized by the Department.
The Department may receive donations from companies or other institutions. Donations are considered liberal disbursements and do not require a specific consideration in return. They may be in cash or in the form of material goods.
Sponsorships allow companies to associate their image or brand with an event or initiative organized by the Department. Companies contribute financially or with material resources to support the event and, in return, receive visibility and promotion. It is possible to establish sponsorship packages with different levels of visibility and benefits for the company, assessing the desired exposure and scope of the event.
