What is it about?
The need for “industry-academia knowledge transfer (IAKT)” and close collaboration in Colombia has been recognised as critical to innovation, while in the United Kingdom (UK) an IAKT model has been successfully deployed in the UK benefitting both stakeholders. As a result in Colombia, an IAKT model does not exist to guide these two key stakeholder groups. The methodology used is based on the analysis of the data collected directly from the aquatic renewable energy (ARE) industry and academia in the Orkney islands (Scotland). In addition, literature available in the public domain was used and analysed. Having this information, a knowledge-education model is proposed for the Colombian context. The IAKT model curriculum was based on ARE course topics and validated in a preliminary phase with UCC undergraduate engineering students from different disciplines. The results were very promising in terms of the skills developed by the students, not only technical but also in communication skills, teamwork, critical thinking and so on.
Featured Image
Photo by Hanson Lu on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This research is important because it demonstrates how collaboration between industry and academia can accelerate the development of aquatic renewable energy in Colombia, drawing on the expertise and knowledge of the United Kingdom. What makes it unique is that it does not simply transfer technology, but also promotes the training of local talent and the creation of technical and educational capacities that endure over time. This model of international cooperation not only drives innovation and sustainability, but also strengthens ties between countries and sectors, ensuring that technological progress goes hand in hand with human and community development.
Perspectives
Writing this article was an immensely rewarding experience because it brought together two of my passions: building international partnerships and advancing renewable energy solutions that truly fit local contexts. Collaborating with colleagues from both the UK and Colombia allowed us to exchange knowledge in a way that was practical, inspiring, and mutually beneficial. For me, the most fulfilling part was seeing how technical expertise and educational initiatives can be combined to empower local communities and prepare the next generation of professionals. I hope this work encourages others to see collaboration not just as a transfer of technology, but as a shared journey towards sustainable development.
Dr. Ramon Fernando Colmenares Quintero
Fundación Berstic and Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Industry and academia partnership for aquatic renewable energy development in Colombia: A knowledge-education transfer model from the United Kingdom to Colombia, Cogent Engineering, January 2020, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/23311916.2020.1829805.
You can read the full text:
Resources
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
