„We have common goals – but also unique strengths. This meeting helped us to understand both“
On May 27, WAITRO Operations e.V. brought together representatives from its European member organisations for a highly interactive and collaborative regional strategy meeting in Cologne, Germany. The goal: not just to exchange ideas, but also to understand our member needs, co-create shared priorities and take joint action towards more impactful international research collaboration.
The meeting`s objective was to strenghten collaboration within the European WAITRO community and enhance its contribution to global initiatives. Throughout the day the focus remained on identifying synergies, aligning strategies and creating space for joint projects. WAITRO Operations e.V. emphasised its commitment to engaging more closely with European members, adapting to their needs and involving their expertise, as well as building platforms that enable impact-driven cooperation.
The agenda combined structured input with open exchange, beginning with a presentation from Dominik Reinertz (WAITRO Operations e.V.) on their current focus areas, new services and visions. Our members Fraunhofer (Germany), IVL (Sweden), SINTEF (Norway), ITG and LEITAT (Spain), VITO (Belgium) and DTI (Denmark)) then had the chance to give insights into their work through some pitches. Each organization shared its strategic focus, international experience and expectations of WAITRO.
Throughout the discussion and creative, hands-on processes, the group shifted from listening to taking action. Key topics included strengthening international cooperation beyond EU borders, accessing global funding opportunities, positioning WAITRO within multilateral organisations such as the UN, and jointly developing capacity-building and technology transfer programmes. These debates resulted in the formation of two task forces: one focusing on “International Cooperation & Funding” and the other on “Policy, Positioning & Global Advocacy”. Each taskforce outlined initial actions, such as mapping non-EU funding sources, developing matchmaking formats and raising WAITR`s profile in global policy arenas.
WAITRO also committed to several follow-up actions for European collaboration, including sharing member-driven funding updates and supporting taskforce activities.
The feedback from participants was highly positive. Many emphasized the importance of face-to-face interaction and structured yet informal exchanges, as well as the desire to meet regularly. It was highlighted that WAITRO is not only a network, but also a platform for collective knowledge, shared vision and coordinated action.
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