Our groundbreaking methodology, specifically tailored for the aUPaEU project and its mission to deploy acceleration services, revolves around a strategic approach aimed at bolstering user groups and university alliance communities in alignment with the priorities set by the European Research Area (ERA). At the heart of our methodology lies a dynamic process crafted to understand and fulfil the ever-evolving needs of stakeholders, ensuring steadfast alignment with ERA objectives. The EU has recently adopted a new ERA policy agenda, which sets out 20 concrete actions for the period 2022-2024 to contribute to the priority areas defined in the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe.

The crux of our methodology involves a meticulous three-step process. Firstly, active engagement with stakeholders, including both user groups and the university alliance community, is initiated. This process commences with collaborative discussions and feedback sessions, delving into in-depth conversations to comprehensively analyse their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. This initial phase forms the foundation for comprehending the intricacies of the stakeholder landscape, enabling subsequent actions to be precisely tailored to address their specific requirements.

Following thorough engagement with stakeholders, the next phase involves the rapid development of an agile proof of concept. This dynamic approach allows for the swift creation of a tangible prototype encapsulating the proposed acceleration services solution. The proof-of-concept is intentionally designed for quick testing within a short period, providing stakeholders with firsthand experience of the solution's benefits and functionality. This iterative and responsive process ensures that stakeholder input is promptly incorporated, resulting in a solution that not only meets their expectations but also aligns seamlessly with their needs and preferences.

In the iterative maturation of business processes, our collaborative approach with stakeholders persists throughout the proof-of-concept phase. Working closely together, our joint efforts focus on refining and enhancing the identified business processes. The goal is to ensure that the developed platforms and processes undergo continuous improvement, aligning seamlessly with the specific needs and priorities outlined by the user groups and the university alliance community. This iterative refinement process guarantees that the final outcomes not only meet immediate requirements but also represent a robust and tailored solution that effectively supports the stakeholders' objectives.

This proven methodology has been highly effective in generating significant traction for the proposed acceleration services solutions. The tangible and agile nature of the proof of concept enables stakeholders to witness immediate value, facilitating a smooth and convincing onboarding process. Furthermore, the iterative maturation of business processes ensures that the solutions are not only effective in the short term but also adaptable and sustainable in the long run.

Looking ahead, this strategic approach is anticipated to yield joint outcomes, including refined platforms and optimised processes, contributing substantially to the overarching goals of the ERA priorities.