Philippe Combette: Between the PUI and the competitiveness clusters, a unique partnership to “chart a common course”
On Monday, April 7, the Montpellier University Innovation Cluster, led by the University of Montpellier, and the seven competitiveness clusters in the region signed their very first partnership agreements. The goal: to strengthen synergies between the research community and the socio-economic sector, and to accelerate the entry of startups into the market. For Philippe Combette, Vice President of the University of Montpellier in charge of partnerships and innovation, “there will be a before and an after.”
The University Innovation Hub has just signed a partnership agreement with Montpellier’s seven competitiveness clusters. In a nutshell, what’s at stake?
Through this partnership agreement, we’re connecting the heart of deep tech research to the ecosystem around us. We have academic research, laboratories, platforms… But as part of the University Innovation Hub’s (PUI) mission, we must foster exchanges between the academic world and the socio-economic sector. From now on, the competitiveness clusters will contribute their expertise and networks. Aerospace Valley (focused on aerospace), Aqua-Valley (focused on water), Agri Sud-Ouest Innovation (focused on agriculture)… Each cluster was selected in direct alignment with the themes addressed by the Montpellier PUI. And through the job creation and value generation we aim for together, this partnership will allow us to connect directly with citizens.
In practical terms, how will this work?
In practical terms, each cluster commits to participating in initiatives to raise awareness about innovation. We will also coordinate our efforts to jointly promote the events and key dates of the competitiveness clusters and the PUI. Furthermore, during the pre-launch phase, our projects will be eligible for associate membership in the cluster.
The goal for the PUI is both to successfully launch the laboratories’ projects and to attract external projects based on the needs of local stakeholders.
It is very beneficial for a young company to be able to take advantage of the benefits offered by a competitiveness cluster, whether in terms of expertise, project management, support, or access to the network. This is essential. For us, this partnership is a significant step. It serves as a foundation for the region. Each party will act as an ambassador for the other.
What has your relationship been like up until now?
There were ties, but they were neither formal nor formative. There was no collective strategy. Today, we believe that this merger will allow us to chart a common course.
What will your priorities be?
The founding members of the PUI had already established thematic roadmaps. These were designed to improve internal coordination, and now we’re adding more people to the highway! For example, we are prioritizing work on digital health, vineyards and wine, water, and oncology… As part of this partnership, the PUI lead commits to inviting the relevant cluster to meetings to track progress on these roadmaps, and through their sector-specific vision, they will also contribute to these key areas.
Ultimately, the goal is to boost industrial growth in the region. Do you have any specific targets in mind?
Yes, we’re going to establish specific metrics to track the number of new businesses launched, the number of collaborative research contracts, and the number of technology transfers… There will be a clear before and after. I truly feel that this will inject even more energy and momentum into the region.
The goal is also to strengthen the region’s expertise at the national and international levels. Do international political instability and the trade war launched by Donald Trump make you think differently?
Absolutely, especially when it comes to industrial sovereignty. Given the current situation, this connection between competitiveness clusters and the academic world seems more necessary than ever. The same goes for the recognition of regions at the local and European levels. Industrial practices are going to change, and the PUI must be part of this dynamic.
