What is innovative training networks? A Complete Guide

Over 1.8 billion people are in training networks, transforming the workforce from within. But what truly makes a training network innovative? The answer lies in skill-building and how learning is integrated into every fiber of our organizations. An innovative training network doesn’t just provide resources—it builds relationships, drives performance, and shapes a culture of growth.

Now, more than ever, companies need agile, adaptive learning ecosystems to keep up with an evolving world. Imagine a network that taps into real-time expertise, shares cutting-edge knowledge across borders, and continuously refines its approach based on your team’s real needs. That’s the power of innovative training networks.

This article will explore what sets these networks apart and how your organization can build its training network to stay competitive. Let’s dive into what makes innovative training networks essential to the modern professional puzzle.

What is an Innovative Training Network?

Innovative Training Networks empower early-stage researchers by providing top-tier training through collaboration among academic institutions, industry partners, and other sectors.

Funded by the European Union as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), these programs offer an interdisciplinary, industry-relevant approach to research training by breaking down traditional silos. The aim is to equip researchers with the skills and experiences they need to excel in a dynamic job market within and beyond academia.

How Do Innovative Training Networks Work?

The concept behind ITNs is simple: create a framework where researchers can learn in a practical, collaborative setting, maximizing academic and industry insights.

• Collaborative Framework: ITNs unite universities, research institutions, and industry partners to create a cohesive training ecosystem. For instance, researchers might gain hands-on experience with companies while working on high-impact academic projects.
• Three Formats: ITNs are offered in three distinct formats, each with unique objectives and structures:
  • European Training Networks (ETN): Focuses on building a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of researchers who work on joint research objectives.
  • European Industrial Doctorates (EID): Specifically designed to merge academic training with industry exposure, placing researchers in company settings and universities.
  • European Joint Doctorates (EJD): Encourages transnational research collaborations by enabling researchers to earn joint, double, or multiple doctoral degrees through university partnerships.

This flexibility allows ITNs to offer tailored experiences that align with the needs of researchers and the industry.

Why Are ITNs Important?

Innovative Training Networks are instrumental in preparing early-stage researchers for successful, impactful careers. By providing a balanced mix of academic rigour and industry relevance, ITNs address several critical needs.

• Skill Development: ITNs focus on equipping researchers with transferable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary research abilities, which are highly sought after in today’s job market.
• Cross-Disciplinary Approach: Because ITNs bring together diverse sectors, researchers gain a broad range of perspectives. This cross-pollination of ideas fosters innovation and encourages researchers to think outside the box.
• Industry Relevance: ITNs ensure that the training researchers receive is relevant to current industry practices, making them more employable and industry-ready.

Types of Innovative Training Networks

Each ITN format serves a specific purpose, allowing researchers to select the option that best aligns with their career goals and interests.

• European Training Networks (ETN): Designed to enhance academic and professional development, ETNs allow researchers to work with multiple partners on a single, cohesive project, which can include industry involvement.
• European Industrial Doctorates (EID): Focusing on practical industry experience, EIDs require researchers to divide their time between academic institutions and businesses. This unique format fosters a deeper understanding of how academic knowledge translates to practical, real-world solutions.
• European Joint Doctorates (EJD): These programs encourage partnerships across borders, allowing researchers to complete their PhD with institutions in multiple countries and ultimately earn joint or double doctoral degrees. EJDs are ideal for those looking to develop an international research profile.

What Are the Key Benefits of Joining an ITN?

Joining an ITN can provide more than just training; it offers a holistic development opportunity that extends into various aspects of a researcher’s career.

• Networking Opportunities: Through ITNs, researchers can access an extensive network of industry and academic contacts, which can prove invaluable as they progress in their careers.
• Access to Cutting-Edge Resources: ITNs often provide access to state-of-the-art labs, industry tools, and other resources often unavailable outside such programs.
• Career Mobility: Many ITNs are international, so researchers have a unique opportunity to gain experience in multiple countries, building a global network that can open doors to academic and industry careers.

How to Apply for an Innovative Training Network

Interested in applying for an ITN? Here are the essential steps to prepare for a successful application.

• Eligibility Requirements: ITNs are typically open to early-stage researchers with less than four years of research experience and no doctoral degree. Applicants must also meet certain mobility requirements, which vary depending on the ITN’s format.
• Application Process: The application process for ITNs generally includes submitting a research proposal, academic transcripts, and a CV. Many programs require an interview, which is an excellent opportunity to highlight how your research aligns with the network’s goals.Tips for Success:
  • Craft a compelling research proposal that aligns with the ITN’s objectives.
  • Demonstrate your commitment to collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
  • Prepare for interviews by understanding the program’s values and what it offers.

Conclusion

Innovative Training Networks (ITNs) offer early-stage researchers an invaluable platform to gain hands-on, interdisciplinary training, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive research environment. With flexible formats that blend academia and industry, ITNs are paving the way for a new generation of knowledgeable, adaptable, industry-aware, and globally-minded researchers.

If you’re an aspiring researcher looking to jumpstart your career, explore potential ITN programs and see how they can help you make a meaningful impact in science and beyond.