In today’s fast-changing world, the meeting point of business and academia is one promising starting point where resilient innovation emerges. At Bluemorrow, we believe this intersection is not just inspiring; it is essential for building strategies, innovations and ventures that are ready for the future.
Our long-term partnerships with leading academic institutions enable our clients to explore new opportunities and act with more clarity and confidence.
Why business-academia collaboration matters
Universities have long played a key role in driving societal progress. They contribute foundational research and offer thought leadership. Academia provides:- Deep, domain-specific expertise
- A culture of rigor, critical thinking and long-term perspective
- Innovation ecosystems that train the talent of tomorrow
These strengths work well with the quick pace of industry and help companies make decisions based on research, not just instinct or market trends.
These collaborations accelerate innovation outcomes by blending academic depth with entrepreneurial execution.
– Tobias Heger, Managing Partner at Bluemorrow
We have collaborated with institutions like ETH Zurich and the HPI School of Design Thinking to incorporate scientific insight into our strategic foresight and innovation projects.
How we collaborate with academia
Our model is based on mutual exchange. We create value for clients, researchers and the broader innovation ecosystem. Here's how:
1. Research partnerships
We integrate state-of-the-art scientific insights into our work through collaborations with research leaders, such as the Chair for Technology & Innovation Management at ETH Zurich. These partnerships help us validate assumptions and base strategies on the latest research.
2. Joint lectures & workshops
Thanks to our lectures at institutions like the University of Stuttgart, KTH Stockholm and the University of Hamburg, we can share real-world project experiences and connect academic discussions with business challenges.
3. Project collaboration
We collaborate with PhDs, students, and alumni from ZHAW, the HPI d-school, and others. Wether they join projects, co-design workshops, or contribute to exploratory sprints, they bring fresh thinking and curiosity to complex real-world challenge and gain valuable experience in return.
4.Topic-specific deep dives
We organise events that bring together researchers, practitioners and business leaders to discuss systemic change and innovation in depth.
These partnerships focus on trust, shared learning and purpose rather than transactions.
What clients gain from academic collaboration
Collaborating with academia improves the quality and credibility of our client work. It allows us to:- Deliver future-proof strategies that are informed by the latest research
- Combine insights from the market, research and our own experience
- Validate decisions early and lower innovation risk
- Build credibility when presenting complex strategies to stakeholders
A researcher's perspective
Our job as researchers isn't just to develop theory in labs. We need to make sure theory actually talks to the messy, ever-changing world of organisations. Collaborations with partners like Bluemorrow give us a front-row seat to the beautiful, unavoidable complexities of real-world decision-making. It works best when both sides show up as equals. It transforms inquiry from something purely rigorous into something that’s both rigorous and useful.
– Prof. Dr. Stefano Brusoni, Professor at ETH Zurich
Looking ahead: Expanding the bridge between science and strategy
The challenges ahead, from AI governance to sustainable transitions, are too complex for isolated thinking. At Bluemorrow, we’re dedicated to widening the area where science meets business and where ideas turn into action.
Want to learn how academic partnership could sharpen your innovation strategy? Let's start the conversation.
