The AIMday® process
Step 1: Submission of questions from companies
Companies and organizations are invited to submit their issues formulated as one or more questions. The question is submitted in advance to the meeting. Submitting at least one question is the entrance ticket.
Step 2: Researchers signing up for questions
Questions from the companies are gathered and presented to researchers from different disciplines. The researchers register to those questions they have a special interest in and would like to take part in discussing. Registering to at least one question is the entrance ticket.
Step 3: Matchmaking and formation of groups
The organizer does the complex logistics for a schedule based on the interest and availability of researchers. The schedule optimizes participation and efficiency during the day for all attendees, and ensures a multidisciplinary constellation of each discussion group.
If not enough researchers have registered for a specific question, the organizer actively tries to identify appropriate researchers to tailor the discussion group, and if fruitless, the company will be informed that the university does not have the specific competences needed.
About one week prior to the meeting day a personal schedule is send to all participants.
Step 4: The Meeting Day
The day consists of four one hour sessions (se schedule) two before lunch and two after. Each session contains several (up to eight) parallel group discussions carried out in separate rooms.
Every question is discussed for one hour, no more – no less, and the size of the group is approximately 5-10 people. Time is also allocated in the program for participants to mingle with each other, or to follow up on the discussion in the groups.
Step 5: Follow-Up
About a month after each AIMday event, the organizer follow-up on the meetings and if necessary offers assistance to get projects or other forms of collaborations going.