e-KnoT - EGNSS Knowledge Triangle

Several studies and surveys  highlighted how one of  the main obstacles for the development and sustainability of the European space industry (and the delivery of cutting-edge scientific achievements) is the lack of scientists, engineers and technicians with specific interest on the area of space research and development.

Galileo, EGNOS and the satellite navigation field at large, are as well affected by this lack of skills and competence, and looking at the topic from an end-users perspective, space is only a part of a more complex knowledge system, needed to exploit the satellite navigation opportunities. Communications, applications development skills, creativity, and business competences are as relevant and essential to leverage on the Galileo and EGNOS initiative to make Europe a credible player in this international context and satellite navigation a concrete asset for the European economy in terms of innovation, market development resulting in job creations. With respect to the growing competition and resource optimization the sustainable success of industry is crucially linked to effective identification and transfer of knowledge, innovative technologies and available solutions.

The scope of the e-KNOT project is to strengthen the interaction between the areas of education-research-industry in Europe, leveraging on past activities already undertaken in this field, in order to consolidate a strong EGNSS knowledge triangle, i.e. a solid network for the creation of a critical mass involving the relevant actors in the three areas with the final objective of supporting the European economy development.

The project approach is in line with the general policy of the H2020 programme, for the capacity building and critical mass creation in strategic areas, so to increase Europe competitiveness and attract investments from outside Europe. In GNSS this can only be realized by investing on a strong coordination among universities, research centers and industry to fill the gap with respect to other areas of the world.

The focus of the e-KnoT project is on the innovation transfer to industry, the support to the creation of innovative downstream applications and the consolidation of the links and of the initiatives beyond the project duration.

e-KnoT relies on concrete results of previous projects in this field of Education in GNSS and on educational initiatives already in place in Europe, and it implements concrete actions and events for companies, students and professionals.

Further information on the project e-KnoT and the single initiatives can be found on the project website.