Research

Mondragon University 's  R&D activity goes beyond the production of knowledge to achieve applicability in the field in question, in university training, and in the innovation services it provides to the organisations requiring so.

This activity is carried out by research teams made up of researchers who share a predefined strategy and a plan to develop it and transfer it to society.

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Research models

The strategic lines and principles the Mondragon University research model is based on are:The connection between R&D, training, and innovacion:

Mondragon University understands that integrating its three main activities –namely, teaching, research, and transfer– is the most effective way of increasing quality and fulfilling its social mission.

• Collaborative research model:

The collaborative research model is based on research alignment, from oriented basic research to innovation, with the participation of three key actors: Universities, technology centres, and businesses through R&D departments. Alignment makes it possible to develop a critical mass of researchers, who are necessary to produce top-quality research and bring the university closer to businesses as the key to innovative dynamics and to the training of would-be researchers for businesses and technology centres.

• Alignment with science and technology and social plans:

Mondragon University considers that research must be in line with strategies to create wealth in the community. In this respect, it is the university's responsibility to ensure alignment with the present and future of the environment if it is to guarantee its development.

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Organisational structure

Research activity at Mondragon University is structured into five R&D management units, established in accordance with the three fields of knowledge at the three schools that make the university. These units are:

1. Technology (Faculty of Engineering)

2. Business Management (Business School)

3. Education (School of Education and Humanities)

4. Communication (School of Education and Humanities)

5. Cooperation (School of Education and Humanities)

Each school has its own R&D Coordination Committee, made up by the centre's head of R&D (and the Director of Innovation at the Higher Technical School), the research coordinators, and the heads of department.

In addition, there is the Mondragon University R&D Committee, made up by the R&D Vice-Principal, the three heads of R&D at the centres, and the Director of Innovation at the Higher Technical School.

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Lines of research

Garaia Innovation Centre

The collaborative R&D development model at Mondragon University includes the Garaia Innovation Centre. It is a project the university shares with Mondragon Cooperative Corporation with the support of the Government of the Basque Country, the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa, and Mondragón Town Hall. The project is aimed at the creation of a space for the development of R&D activities, so that geographical proximity boosts cooperation and thus facilitates the production and transfer of knowledge.

Garaia is a space for the coexistence of university, technology centres, and businesses' R&D departments. The university has already set up its telecommunications, power electronics, medium-voltage electronic equipment testing, high-performance machining, shaping, and micro manufacturing labs, as well as the product design and eco design rooms.

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