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Elena Bou, Director of the ESADE KIC-InnoEnergy project, explains why it is essential for researchers and academics "to be sensitive to business issues"

"The world economy runs on fossil fuels, but it cannot do so forever". The development of a sustainable energy system offers new innovation and business opportunities that can be exploited. This is the baseline of KIC InnoEnergy, an initiative which comprises 35 top European players in industry, research institutes, universities and business schools, aiming to boost innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the entire energy system and turning Europe into the leading provider of sustainable energy solutions. ESADE participates in the initiative bringing an entrepreneurial spirit to the integration of the knowledge triangle of innovation, education and research which defines the project. Elena Bou, Director of the ESADE KIC-InnoEnergy project, explains why it is essential for researchers and academics “to be sensitive to business issues".

- ESADE is involved in different educational programmes within KIC InnoEnergy. Why do you think it is important to bridge the gap between academic research and entrepreneurial thinking?

Academics and researchers are focused on creating knowledge and inventions but they rarely stop to think about the value of that new knowledge for the market, and if so the process to turn it into a product/service is a real challenge. The lack of this business and market orientation means that many opportunities are lost. Here it is the paradox: we are very good at creating new knowledge but very bad at innovating. If we are able to make researchers and academics sensitive to business issues, they will be able to identify opportunities whether or not they are the ones who take that opportunity into the market.

- What values can ESADE bring to this project?

ESADE brings the business and entrepreneurial perspective. Due to our history, we act as brokers among these two worlds: the business and the scientific and technical worlds. They are embedded in different systems, different rationale and different culture. It is not just a question of contents but also of translating meanings and establishing bridges. These last aspects have been reinforced during the last years in which we have conducted many studies and initiatives (e.g. ESADECREAPOLIS) related to collaborative innovation. These are some of the assets where we add value.

- ESADE got 12 grants from KIC-InnoEnergy to the ESADE MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a specialization in Sustainable Energy. What are the opportunities any student can get from this experience?

This is a great opportunity for the students because they will know about innovation and entrepreneurship and, besides, they will be specialized in Sustainable Energy, a high-growth sector with a lot of opportunities. The most important institutions in the field (companies, universities and research centers) have participated in the design and will be engaged not only in the tuition but also offering internships and career opportunities.

In that sense, let's remember that ESADE is organizing an International Business Model Competition, which will reward the candidates who submit the best Business Models with grants to take part in the ESADE MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

- Alfons Sauquet, dean of ESADE Business School, has underlined that InnoEnergy is a great opportunity to access new educational tendencies. In what sense?

Education is changing. The concept of the "entrepreneurial university" means to have academic institutions that have more impact and responsibility on the society they are embedded. Besides, education is becoming more interdisciplinary, being able to collaborate among different disciplines, especially if we are looking for breakthroughs and innovation. This implies to develop professional profiles who will be able to speak different languages, manage uncertainty and being able to work together with professionals from different backgrounds and institutions.