The study is structured around three main components:
Transferability Readiness Assessment, evaluating each city’s capacity to adopt Aveiro’s approach based on political commitment, resources, stakeholder involvement, and funding potential;
Transfer Model, a hybrid mechanism combining radial (Aveiro to partners) and carousel (peer-to-peer) knowledge flows to support mutual learning;
Network Methodology and Roadmap, a phased process—UNDERSTAND, ADAPT, and RE-USE—that guides cities through collaborative learning, local experimentation, and co-creation of tailored strategies.
Despite different local contexts, all partner cities share a strong commitment to STEAM principles. However, they also face common barriers such as talent retention issues, weak links between education and business sectors, limited resources, and structural constraints in centralised education systems. Yet, significant opportunities arise, particularly in enhancing cross-sector collaboration, embedding STEAM in formal education, and leveraging cultural and creative sectors to boost engagement.
Methodologically, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach including site visits, stakeholder consultations, transnational exchanges, and structured peer reviews. This enables both a comparative analysis and a deep understanding of local specificities, providing a solid basis for future implementation.
Key findings highlight that effective transfer requires more than replication—it demands strategic adaptation to local socio-economic realities, governance structures, and stakeholder dynamics. Sustainability depends on long-term funding, institutional embedding, and agile policy-making. The study also underlines the reciprocal nature of the network: while Aveiro shares its model, partner cities contribute valuable insights through local experimentation, enriching the collective knowledge base.
In conclusion, the study sets a foundation for the next phase of adaptation, where cities will reflect, test, and iterate their strategies. The transfer process is seen as dynamic and non-linear, requiring flexibility, commitment, and a strong collaborative ethos. Ultimately, the aim is to inspire context-sensitive STEAM strategies that drive inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-led urban development across Europe.
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