Methods for Developing Collaboration Arenas

Important results from the project

Aim and objective for the project Methodology for the development of collaboration arenas (MUSA) has been to develop a methodology to support the initiation, development and operation of university-run collaborations based on contemporary societal challenges. Results have been disseminated through the participating institutions´ own arenas, that from there own aims served as study objects for the process. These arenas, except for the Climate Arena, SU, continue in various forms, through new agreements and principals, in policies and further development of research platforms.

Expected long term effects

The MUSA methodology is built around a number of core issues, processes and dimensions, called cornerstones, which conceptually form the basis for the development of the arena: Strategy, Formalization, Operational activities and Development. The methodology, described in the Handbook: Methodology for the development of collaboration arenas, MUSA, (in Swedish) may function as a practical tool for planning, developing and working with collaboration arenas at a university.

Approach and implementation

The 6 participating university institutions have developed their own collaboration arenas during the project, which has contributed to both developing and testing the usefulness of the MUSA methodology, as well as disseminating the results. The joint work process and analysis work during the project has been characterized by a collaborative approach with meetings and discussions based on experiences made within the different arenas, which has provided insight into different spatial and organizational points of departure and perspectives.