As part of the dissemination activities for the CreaTech project, the University of Bedfordshire hosted a successful conference on Monday, 27th April, titled “Driving Creativity and Innovation in the Digital Era: Bridging Academia and Industry Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration.”
The conference served as a key platform for advancing these objectives, bringing together academics, industry professionals, and practitioners to explore how interdisciplinary collaboration can strengthen innovation ecosystems. The event was well attended, with high levels of engagement throughout the day, reflecting strong interest in bridging academic research with industry practice.
The programme featured contributions from leading external speakers, including Matthew McGuinness and Caoimhe Kelly, who addressed the role of creativity and interdisciplinary thinking in driving innovation and translating knowledge across sectors. Maria Jerez and Oesman Raja provided applied perspectives on service systems and employability, while Prof Krsto Pandza offered a strategic view on disruptive innovation and the role of AI in shaping future industries.
In addition, internal research presentations highlighted ongoing work in areas aligned with the CreaTech agenda, including generative AI, digital entrepreneurship, corporate governance, innovation in SMEs, and the societal implications of emerging technologies. These contributions demonstrated how research can directly inform practice, policy, and entrepreneurial activity.
Several key takeaways emerged from the event. Interdisciplinary collaboration was consistently identified as a critical enabler of innovation, particularly in complex and rapidly evolving sectors. Creativity was positioned as a mechanism for translating academic knowledge into industry-relevant solutions. Discussions also emphasised the growing importance of responsible AI and digital transformation in shaping both research and entrepreneurial opportunities. Importantly, the need to embed inclusivity within entrepreneurship and innovation systems was highlighted as a core priority.
Overall, the conference reinforced the strategic aims of the CreaTech project by strengthening connections between academia and industry, showcasing research with real-world relevance, and supporting the development of inclusive, innovation-driven ecosystems across partner institutions.
The event represents a significant step in the project’s dissemination and impact activities, contributing to wider awareness, engagement, and collaboration across the CreaTech consortium and beyond.