ROBO-KNOT · Robotics Knowledge Transfer Lab

The ROBOtics KNOwledge Transfer Lab (ROBO-KNOT) is a cross-sectoral and cross-border mobility initiative designed to accelerate knowledge transfer in the Robotics field. By facilitating secondments of Research and Innovation (R&I) talent between academic and non-academic sectors, this project aims to promote more attractive and sustainable research careers in Widening Countries, in alignment with the European Commission’s ERA Policy Agenda (Action 4). The project will directly involve 24 researchers and 12 R&I support staff from academic institutions in Widening Countries (Greece, Portugal, Slovenia), who will be seconded to organisations in either Widening (Estonia, Greece, Portugal) or non-Widening (Spain) countries. ROBO-KNOT's structured methodology, comprising Pre-secondment, Secondment, and Post-secondment phases, ensures impactful skills development and knowledge exchange. Firstly, talent is carefully selected and matched with opportunities that align with both individual goals and hosting organisations’ strategic needs. Through a modular secondment approach, participants are then immersed in diverse work settings, enhancing their practical knowledge of Robotics technologies’ commercial development. Finally, the Post-secondment phase includes targeted training activities and ongoing support to ensure long-term impact of the action, particularly with regards to the innovation-to-commercialisation pipeline. ROBO-KNOT has developed a tailored Skills Development Framework, in line with the European Commission’s ResearchComp, as well as a Career Advancement Plan, which ensures high impact of the project on secondees’ employability, future career prospects and knowledge sharing capabilities. ROBO-KNOT not only benefits seconded talent individually, but also increases consortium organisations’ R&I support capacity and ability to establish effective cross-sectoral and cross-border collaborations, contributing to a more integrated European innovation ecosystem.