Circulation report: Studying the Dynamics of Global Value Chain Reconfigurations at MIOIR

Diletta Pegoraro is an Early Career scholar researching the Dynamics of Global Value Chain Reconfigurations at the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering – Politecnico di Milano. She declines this topic in three major disciplines: Innovation, International Business and Economic Geography. During her Eu-SPRI-funded circulation at MIOIR (University of Manchester) she was able to further development the conceptual framework of PLOTTI (Place Leaders Of Twin Transition in the Italian local manufacturing systems, a project PRIN 2022 PNRR Next Generation EU – CUP E53D23016560001).

In this piece of writing she shares her experience and working in a different department and in which way this circulation award helped to enlarge her existing networks and create new collaboration.

In this post I will compare the Early Career Scholar (ECS) to a Sequoia tree and it will explain how the Eu-SPRI-funded circulation helps ECS to foster their immense inner potential for personal and academic growth. Both EC and Sequoia possess a deep-rooted foundation in learning and preparation. As sequoia absorbs knowledge from its environmental and bio-system, ECS actively seeks out experiences and collaborations for expanding knowledge. As the sequoia reaches skyward, its branches intertwine with others, forming a supportive network in where other species can find their home. Similarly, the ECS builds connections with peers and mentors, creating a symbiotic community that fosters collective knowledge and progress. However, only the right combination of environmental factors allows sequoia to become majestic trees, without then, sequoia remain only twigs. It is the same for an ECS, while growth opportunities are many, choosing the right option for the ECS program is crucial, as each option leads to different educational pathways.

As Sequoia needs the right environmental factors for thriving, also ECS needs access to resource and funding. The Eu-SPRI mobility programme is a perfect fit for this goal, as it enable the majestic growth of the ECR.

The visit to MIOIR proved strategically crucial for advancing the conceptual framework I’m developing. This framework will lay the theoretical foundation for a larger project named PLOTTI. My visit coincided with the GEOINNO2024 Conference, organized by MIOIR itself. Before the conference, I invited MIOIR scholars to contribute to my session, where I presented the framework in its early-stage development. Further discussions and valuable feedback continued throughout my visit at MIOIR.

Beyond actively working on the project, I immersed myself in the lively and active department, attending seminars and activities. The pre-seminar coffee meetings provided the perfect opportunity to pitch my research and receive immediate, friendly feedback from esteemed scholars. Of particular importance was the guidance I received from Professor Silvia Massini. Her expertise in innovation diffusion and digital technologies proved invaluable. With her help, I was able to refine the conceptual framework for accelerating the adoption of digital technologies for more sustainable living.

Joining the Eu-SPRI Circulation Programme can help you build a thriving research network by connecting with researchers from diverse institutions and disciplines. The visiting period provides valuable resources like access to research facilities, funding for travel and accommodation, and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts. To maximise your experience, develop a compelling timeline that highlights your research goals and aligns them with the host institution’s expertise. Connect with your tutor early to get feedback on your proposal and discuss research opportunities. Don’t hesitate to explore additional collaborations by scheduling meetings with other researchers at the host institution. Remember, this program isn’t about become the highest sequoia but about laying the basis for allowing a prosperity growth of your branches through collaborations and exchanges.

In conclusion, while separated by species and age, we ECS and the sequoia share a remarkable kinship, both standing tall with the promise of a flourishing future.

The EU-SPRI Circulation Award: A Valuable Opportunity for Early Career and Doctoral Researchers

Arthur Moreira is a PhD Student studying the Economics of Innovation at the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex. During his Eu-SPRI-funded circulation at CIRCLE (Lund University) he was able to advance his research for his PhD thesis ‘Mission-oriented innovation policy organisations: definition, impact, and the knowledge production trajectory of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation’. In this blog he shares his experience of living and working abroad and how his circulation helped develop his academic skills.

Aspiring researchers who work in the area of research & innovation policy studies and are affiliated to one of the 18 member organisations in Europe can benefit greatly from the EU-SPRI Circulation Award. This programme offers researchers the opportunity to work with a host institution in a different country, where they can exchange knowledge, develop new ideas, and build valuable relationships.

The Award is designed to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience among researchers and institutions in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation policy. One of the key benefits of the programme is the opportunity to work with someone you can choose to help you address your specific needs to help you improve your research. Perhaps one has an idea they want to explore, perhaps they need to learn a new method for their paper or perhaps they need to discuss their work with a different audience, refine their research ideas and approaches with diverse fresh detailed and encouraging feedback. This provides a unique opportunity for researchers to receive guidance and support from a recognized expert in the field, in an experienced tailored to your needs.

In my case the discussions with the host supervisor were paramount to strengthening the theoretical background of my thesis, enabling me to write a better-grounded contribution. When I could more clearly place my contribution in relation to the theory, it became easier to concentrate my efforts on addressing the relevant literature. The discussions proved so fruitful that I obtained concrete outcomes from it before the expected main ones involving the publication of the thesis. I had a short paper accepted in a peer-reviewed STI journal, I was invited to present it in a seminar with other young scholars and later, following the same line of thought, submitted an entry to and won a prize in a doctoral essay competition.

Beyond these concrete benefits, the EU-SPRI Circulation Programme also provides a valuable opportunity for researchers to broaden their perspectives, by being exposed to new ideas, experiences and people. This can be especially important for early-stage researchers who are still exploring their research interests and career pathways. In addition to working with a host supervisor, I had the chance to also present my work in one of the weekly internal meetings, where I received constructive feedback from other researchers at the host institution. This is a great opportunity not only to receive feedback from a diverse range of perspectives, but also to build confidence addressing a community where you are not originally part of.

Participating in the EU-SPRI Circulation Programme can also provide valuable networking opportunities, which can be essential for future career opportunities. By building relationships with researchers and institutions in different countries, researchers can expand their professional network, and potentially open up new career opportunities in the field.
The Award is the perfect chance to bring your contribution to the level of rigour demanded in dealing with our current urgent socioeconomic and ecological challenges via STI policy.