Name
Secondment: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Circular Economy in Business Development within the program Early Career Researcher
Objective
The objective of participating in the research internship is to develop scientific competencies in the areas of business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial development through full involvement in the research activities of the Centre for Industrial Business Development (SIF) at Nord University. The internship aims to enable the acquisition of advanced methodological, analytical, and project-related skills through collaboration with a research team specializing in innovation processes, digitalization, sustainable development, and the circular economy. The mobility period is also intended to support the development of international cooperation, the preparation of joint publications and project proposals, and the strengthening of networks with researchers, companies, and regional institutions.
Destination and duration of mobility
The international mobility will be conducted at SEA-EU’s partner university, Nord University, Norway from May 1st to June 29th, 2026.
Detailed program
Coming soon on the website.
Set of learning outcomes (competencies):
1. Development of advanced research competencies in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, industrial development, and the circular economy through active participation in SIF research projects.
2. Enhancement of methodological and analytical skills through participation in workshops, seminars, and the work of the research team, including scientific communication, abstract writing, methodology, and the presentation of results.
3. Gaining experience in working within an international environment through collaboration with local businesses, industrial clusters, and technology companies, as well as through the development of joint research initiatives.
Learning outcomes:
Knowledge – The candidate:
1.1. has advanced knowledge of innovation processes at both the firm and system levels, as well as the role of digitalization, sustainable development, and the circular economy in industrial development.
1.2. is familiar with current methodological approaches and research practices applied in SIF projects, including in the area of applied research conducted in collaboration with industry and regional stakeholders.
1.3. understands the functioning of industrial clusters, technology companies, and innovation ecosystems in the context of real economic challenges.
Skills – The candidate:
2.1. conducts research in an inter-institutional environment, including preparing analyses, reports, and presentations of results.
2.2. uses advanced methodological and analytical tools applied in research on innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial development.
2.3. produces high-quality scientific texts (abstracts, articles, reports), prepares project proposals, and presents research results in academic and business settings.
Social competencies – The candidate:
3.1. works effectively in an international research team, applying the principles of open, interdisciplinary collaboration.
3.2. demonstrates scientific responsibility and the ability for independent development through participation in research networks, mentoring, and academic events.
3.3. is able to establish and maintain relationships with external stakeholders (companies, clusters, regional units), initiating joint research and projects.
Criteria for assessing learning outcomes – The candidate
| Learning outcome | Verification criteria | Form of verification |
| 1.1. has advanced knowledge of innovation processes at both the firm and system levels, as well as the role of digitalization, sustainable development, and the circular economy in industrial development | 1.1.1. correctly explains innovation processes at both the firm and system levels, providing relevant examples 1.1.2. analyzes the impact of digitalization, sustainable development, and the circular economy on business activities based on data or case studies | Test |
| 1.2. is familiar with current methodological approaches and research practices applied in SIF projects, including in the area of applied research conducted in collaboration with industry and regional stakeholders | 1.2.1. describes the research methods used at SIF and their application in projects conducted with industry 1.2.2. explains how research methods and tools are selected for projects carried out with regional stakeholders | Test |
| 1.3. understands the functioning of industrial clusters, technology companies, and innovation ecosystems in the context of real economic challenges | 1.3.1. explains the role and functioning of industrial clusters, technology companies, and innovation ecosystems 1.3.2. identifies the main economic challenges affecting these entities and discusses their significance | Test |
| 2.1. conducts research in an inter-institutional environment, including preparing analyses, reports, and presentations of results | 2.1.1. prepares accurate analyses and reports based on data collected in an inter-institutional project 2.1.2. presents research results in a coherent presentation tailored to the audience | Test |
| 2.2. uses advanced methodological and analytical tools applied in research on innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial development | 2.2.1. correctly applies selected methodological and analytical tools in conducted research 2.2.2. interprets obtained results, demonstrating understanding of the methods used | Test |
| 2.3. produces high-quality scientific texts (abstracts, articles, reports), prepares project proposals, and presents research results in academic and business settings | 2.3.1. prepares accurate and coherent scientific texts and research proposals in accordance with academic standards 2.3.2. presents research results clearly and appropriately for academic and business audiences | Test |
| 3.1. works effectively in an international research team, applying the principles of open, interdisciplinary collaboration | 3.1.1. actively collaborates with members of an international team, carrying out joint research tasks 3.1.2. applies the principles of open and interdisciplinary collaboration in daily teamwork | Test |
| 3.2. demonstrates scientific responsibility and the ability for independent development through participation in research networks, mentoring, and academic events | 3.2.1. participates in research networks, mentoring, or academic events, documenting their involvement 3.2.2. undertakes initiatives supporting their own scientific development and conducts research tasks ethically | Test |
| 3.3. is able to establish and maintain relationships with external stakeholders (companies, clusters, regional units), initiating joint research and projects | 3.3.1. establishes and maintains contact with external stakeholders, effectively communicating the objectives of the collaboration 3.3.2. initiates or co-organizes activities leading to joint research or projects | Test |
REQUIREMENTS FOR MOBILITY
Participants of the mobility
To apply for international mobility, the applicant must have current status as a research staff member of the University of Gdańsk on the day of applying for the recruitment process and the planned mobility. Applicants must be employed as an academic teacher (in a research-teaching or research group) and have obtained a doctoral degree no earlier than seven years prior to submitting the application. Applicants are not allowed to be on any type of leave. The participant’s declared English language level is a minimum of B2.
Recruitment
All candidates are required to complete a special registration form at: Formularz rejestracyjny/Registration form- NAWA – Staż badawczy/Research Secondment – Wypełnij formularz The form must be completed and submitted by December 7th, 2025.
The order of funding allocation depends on the total number of points obtained – applications with a higher total score will have priority in funding allocation and will be processed according to the ranking list.
The candidates who have submitted a complete set of required documents and met the mobility criteria may be eligible for mobility. Funds within the entire Early Career Researcher programme have been allocated for a minimum of 10 participants.
Recruitment is conducted in accordance with the horizontal principles outlined in § 2 point 8 of the Project Regultions. If support is needed during the recruitment process for persons with disabilities or special needs, please contact the task coordinator seaenergy@ug.edu.pl.
Recruitment criteria
| 1 | Formal criteria | Fulfilled |
| research staff member status | ||
| required English level – minimum B2 | ||
| complete application | ||
| Substantive criteria | Scoring | |
| 2 | the substantive evaluation of the cover letter justifying the choice of mobility which should contribute to enhancing competencies | 0-5 |
| 3 | the alignment of the thematic scope of the mobility with the researcher’s scientific activities and area of specialization | 0-5 |
| 4 | the degree of alignment between the candidate’s scientific profile and the research topics pursued by the host institution | 0-5 |
Recruitment results
The committee responsible for verifying and evaluating the applications is required to prepare a ranking list, dividing it into the list of qualified candidates, reserve candidates, and those who do not meet the criteria. All candidates participating in the recruitment process will be individually informed about the results via email by December 9th, 2025. The list of selected candidates will also be available on the website https://sea-eu.ug.edu.pl/aktualnosci/.
RULES FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT
Funding may be granted for the implementation of the mobility between May 1st and June 29th, 2026, plus two days for travel. The funding is provided as a lump sum of approximately 33,000 PLN.
The funding must be used to cover travel expenses, accommodation, and daily allowances. Detailed list of funding rates is available on the website.
Documentation before mobility – Those who are qualified for mobility are required to complete the following:
- an online pre-test which will assess the participants’ knowledge and skills related to the course content before starting the secondment,
- registration on the NAWA platform to confirm the participant’s eligibility for the project,
- a business trip request submitted through the employee portal,
- bank transfer details,
- Letter of Intent.
Documentation after mobility – Those who complete the mobility are required to:
- complete an online post-test which measures the participants’ knowledge and skills after the secondment,
- provide the original certificate of stay at the partner university with the programme,
- settlement of the trip at the Research Office.
Completion of mobility
Those who according to the test have improved their competencies during the mobility will receive a certificate. The verification of learning outcomes includes completing a post-test, in which the participant should achieve a higher score compared to the pre-test in order to receive a certificate of competence enhancement. Both tests are completed remotely via the Microsoft Forms application.
Contact to Coordinator: seaenergy@ug.edu.pl
The initiative is being implemented as part of the project „Support for Synergistic and Complementary Actions of the SEA-EU 2.0 Project – SEA-nergy,” which is part of the NAWA program „Support for European University Alliances” funded by the European Social Fund
