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Fostering interdisciplinarity and collaboration: the role of challenge-driven research in European University Alliances through the CHARM-EU experience

Author

Listed:
  • Jaime Llorca

    (Universitat de Barcelona)

  • Vicente Royuela

    (Universitat de Barcelona)

  • Christopher Evans

    (Universitat de Barcelona
    Universitat de Barcelona)

  • Albert Diaz-Guilera

    (Universitat de Barcelona
    Universitat de Barcelona)

  • Raul Ramos

    (Universitat de Barcelona)

Abstract

This paper explores the innovative dynamics established through the European Universities Initiative (EUI) and their role in steering collaborative, challenge-driven research with societal impact. The EUI fosters the creation of university alliances aimed at aligning education and research with societal needs within the European Research Area. These alliances are designed to enhance transnational cooperation, particularly via developing common science agendas that serve as joint research strategies designed to deepen scientific collaboration among alliance partners. These agendas are structured around key priorities such as sustainability, inter- and transdisciplinary research, and adherence to Responsible Research and Innovation principles. Our study focuses on the CHARM-EU Alliance as a case study, presenting a participatory process for building multidisciplinary academic teams to define scientific priorities aligned with sustainable development goals. The process provides a practical tool for fostering new scientific networks to identify and tackle complex global issues, being replicable, inclusive, and adaptable for other alliances. Additionally, the paper discusses the main barriers encountered in developing and implementing a procedure to set up a common science agenda, including the challenges of inter-institutional collaboration and the integration of diverse institutional policies and priorities. Our findings offer insight into the successes and limitations of such initiatives, contributing to a collective learning experience that can inform policy and academic communities on fostering transformative research strategies within university alliances.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaime Llorca & Vicente Royuela & Christopher Evans & Albert Diaz-Guilera & Raul Ramos, 2025. "Fostering interdisciplinarity and collaboration: the role of challenge-driven research in European University Alliances through the CHARM-EU experience," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04410-0
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04410-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roxanne C. Keynejad & H. Manisha Yapa & Poushali Ganguli, 2021. "Achieving the sustainable development goals: investing in early career interdisciplinarity," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-5, December.
    2. Mariana Mazzucato & Carlota Perez, 2014. "Innovation as Growth Policy: the challenge for Europe," SPRU Working Paper Series 2014-13, SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School.
    3. Quirin Schiermeier, 2000. "Europe edges closer to an integrated science policy," Nature, Nature, vol. 405(6789), pages 873-873, June.
    4. Flurina Schneider & Zarina Patel & Katsia Paulavets & Tobias Buser & Jacqueline Kado & Stefanie Burkhart, 2023. "Fostering transdisciplinary research for sustainability in the Global South: Pathways to impact for funding programmes," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Romero Goyeneche, Oscar Yandy & Ramirez, Matias & Schot, Johan & Arroyave, Felber, 2022. "Mobilizing the transformative power of research for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(10).
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