Step 1: Talent Profiles - Development of Researchers' Profiles

1.1. Create Individual Profiles:

To participate in the EdTech Talents project, researchers will be required to create comprehensive individual profiles that showcase their academic qualifications: research field, short bio, keywords, past research projects, published articles, H-index, number of citations, research IDs (Scopus, WoS, ORCID), and details related to knowledge services:

• Clear Objectives and Goals: Begin by defining the specific objectives and goals of the knowledge service. What problem or need does it address? What outcomes do you aim to achieve? Having clear objectives provides a roadmap for the service's design and evaluation.

• Target Audience: Identify and understand the target audience for the knowledge service. Consider their background, knowledge level, preferences, and specific needs. Tailor the service to meet the audience's requirements.

• Content and Knowledge Base: Ensure that the information and knowledge offered are accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the audience's interests and needs.

• Delivery Channels: Determine the channels through which the knowledge service will be delivered. This can include in-person consultations, online platforms, webinars, publications, or a combination of these.

• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Be aware of legal and ethical considerations, including copyright, intellectual property, and compliance with data protection laws. Ensure that the service operates within legal boundaries.

These profiles will serve as professional portfolios, highlighting each researcher's unique capabilities and experiences in the field of educational technology.

Knowledge service provided by a researcher/expert leverages their academic expertise and experience to facilitate learning, research, problem-solving, and innovation within their area of specialization, benefiting EdTech company seeking to tap into their knowledge.

1.2. Compilation into Catalog:

The administrative staff responsible for the project will oversee the collection of these individual researcher profiles.

These profiles will then be systematically compiled into a centralized catalog or database for easy access and reference.

The catalog will include a search and indexing system, making it simple for EdTech companies and other stakeholders to find suitable expertise.

1.3. Administrative Support:

Administrative staff will play a pivotal role in assisting researchers in creating and updating their profiles.

They will ensure that the information presented in the profiles is accurate, up-to-date, and effectively communicates the researchers' capabilities.

Administrative staff will also provide guidance on best practices for creating impactful profiles.

1.4. Catalog Publication:

Once the catalog is finalized, it will be made accessible to the public by posting it on the official EdTech Talents project website.

The catalog will be regularly maintained and updated by the administrative staff to reflect changes in the researcher pool, ensuring that it remains a valuable resource.

Step 2: EdTech Companies - Creation of EdTech Companies Database

2.1. Contacting EdTech Umbrella Organizations:

The project team will establish communication with local and national EdTech umbrella organizations.

These organizations can provide initial information about EdTech companies operating within their regions.

2.2. Information Gathering:

To create a comprehensive database of EdTech companies, admin staff will gather additional details for each company.

This information will include the company's official name, physical address (including post code), contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses, and the company's official website.

2.3. Database Creation:

Based on the collected data, admin staff will construct and maintain a structured and searchable database.

This database will serve as a valuable resource for connecting researchers with potential industry partners.

2.4. Regular Updates:

Keeping the EdTech companies database current is crucial. The admin staff will periodically update the database to account for changes in company status, contact details, or other pertinent information.

Step 3: Funding Opportunities – Grants/Calls Database

3.1. Identification of Potential Calls:

Administrative staff will conduct desk research to identify potential public sources (grant calls). This research will involve reviewing policy and legislative documents, consulting official government sources, and liaising with relevant public authorities.

Calls can be internal at the university or at national and international levels, providing diverse funding opportunities.

3.2. Database Creation:

The project team will compile the identified grant calls into a structured database.

The database will include key information such as title of the call, implementing body, status (implemented or announced), application deadlines, and general description (objectives, key features, budget, and weblink).

Step 4: University VEI Policy – Establishment of policy to support VEI

4.1. Policy Development/Modification:

A specialized policy for VEI should be developed or modified to align with the objectives of the EdTech Talents project.

This policy will incorporate incentives and guidelines aimed at encouraging administrative staff to actively support researchers in their valorization efforts.

4.2. Manual and Document Creation:

To facilitate the seamless engagement of researchers with EdTech companies and the successful valorization of their services, a comprehensive manual of procedures, price lists, and other necessary documents will be developed.

The manual will serve as a practical guide, detailing step-by-step processes and pricing structures for the various knowledge services researchers can offer.

Step 5: Knowledge service – Initiating the process

5.1. Engaging EdTech Companies:

Administrative staff will proactively reach out to EdTech companies to inform them about knowledge services available at the university by providing access to the EdTech Virtual Talents Catalog and informing them regarding funding opportunities.

This initial engagement aims to establish a connection between researchers and companies interested in collaborative projects.

5.2. Expert Selection:

EdTech companies will have the opportunity to peruse the EdTech Virtual Talents Catalog and select the most suitable researcher from the pool based on their specific project requirements.

The selection process will be guided by the expertise, skills, and experience outlined in the researchers' profiles.

5.3. Consent and Initiation:

Once an expert is chosen, administrative staff will initiate contact with the selected researcher to request their consent to provide knowledge services to the EdTech company.

This phase marks the beginning of the collaboration, with an introductory meeting scheduled to discuss project details, objectives, and expectations.

5.4. Proposal Development:

Administrative staff, in collaboration with the chosen expert and representative from the EdTech company, will commence the development of project proposals.

Depending on the availability of the funds EdTech company could seek funding opportunities internally at the University, finance the knowledge service from its own budget, seek support from external investor, or apply jointly with expert for public source (grant). They will work closely to craft compelling proposals that align with the goals of the EdTech company and the objectives of the grant program.

The administrative staff will also manage the completion of the necessary call applications, ensuring that all required documentation is submitted accurately and on time.

If no external funding is needed EdTech company and expert could proceed directly with contract for the particular knowledge service.

This comprehensive methodology ensures that the "EdTech Talents" project is well-prepared to develop and modify policies, facilitate engagement with EdTech companies, and provide crucial support for the creation and implementation of the knowledge services. It outlines a systematic approach to achieving the project's overarching goals of fostering collaboration between researchers and the EdTech industry while securing funding opportunities for valuable knowledge services.