Would your organisation like to take part in a collaborative project between academia and the business sector? This page provides an overview of how co‑production works in practice, what is required of the participating partners, and how to apply for funding from the Knowledge Foundation.
What is co‑production?
Co‑production is at the core of the Knowledge Foundation’s mission and underpins all projects we fund. In brief, co‑production means that funded projects are designed and carried out in close collaboration between academia and the business sector. In many cases, we require in‑kind contributions from business partners corresponding to the funding provided by the Knowledge Foundation.
In our projects, universities collaborate with at least two independent business actors. We do not fund contract research or commissioned education.
Who can participate?
Universities
The Knowledge Foundation funds projects conducted at Swedish university colleges and newer universities. Currently, 22 higher education institutions are included in our target group.
Business actors
We welcome business actors of all sizes and from all sectors. Our project portfolio includes everything from micro‑enterprises to large multinational companies.
Would your company like to collaborate with academia?
Each university has designated contact persons responsible for collaboration with the business sector. They can support you in exploring opportunities for joint research, innovation and development. You may also contact a relevant research and education environment directly.
Other organisations
Other types of organisations may also participate in projects. These partners can contribute expertise and resources, but their contributions do not qualify as co‑funding.
Co‑funding
Several of the Knowledge Foundation’s programmes require co‑funding from the business sector. As a general principle, the contribution from industry partners must be at least equivalent to the funding provided by the Knowledge Foundation.
In our education programmes and programmes aimed at capacity building, co‑funding from the business sector is usually not required. However, active engagement from participating partners is always necessary to ensure that projects deliver value for the business sector. Specific requirements are outlined in each call for proposals.
What qualifies as a business actor?
To be considered a business actor, an organisation must meet certain criteria. In general, the organisation must conduct business activities in a competitive market and be registered with a Swedish organisation number.
Organisations that do not meet the criteria for co-funding business actors may still contribute to a project, but their contributions are not considered co‑funding.
What counts as co‑funding?
Co‑funding from the business sector is usually not provided as monetary contributions, but as so‑called in‑kind contributions. These may include costs such as staff time, premises, travel, materials, use of equipment, or loss of production.
In‑kind contributions are converted into a monetary value, which constitutes the business actor’s share of the project funding. To be accepted as co‑funding, the contribution must clearly support the achievement of the project’s objectives.
Applying for funding
The university is responsible for preparing the application in close dialogue with all participating partners. The application must include, among other things, a description of the project’s objectives, implementation plan, organisation and budget. It should also explain the expected benefits for the business actors, how responsibilities are allocated, and how co‑production will be carried out.
All participating partners must submit a letter of intent describing their commitment to the project. CVs must be provided for key personnel.
Agreements
If a project is approved, an agreement is signed between the university and the Knowledge Foundation. The university holds overall responsibility for project implementation and reporting to the Knowledge Foundation. The project partners are responsible for regulating their internal collaboration and terms through separate agreements.