This study aims to understand how Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) principles can be applied to enhance knowledge valorization processes in Academia-Industry Collaboration (AIC) within the European Research Area. AIC, also known as Industry-University Collaboration (IUC), is a strategic approach in which academic institutions and industry entities jointly work to drive innovation, productivity, and technological advancement through shared expertise, resources, and knowledge. From a business perspective, these collaborations provide companies with access to advanced technology and specialized knowledge, the opportunity to utilize expensive research infrastructure that would otherwise be unattainable and access to highly qualified human resources, such as researchers or students, enhancing their innovation capabilities and productivity. Therefore, AICs empower companies for the development of new products, improved manufacturing processes, logistical efficiencies, and patentable innovations.

This study explores knowledge co-creation as an essential driver of AI valorization within AIC, with academic and industry actors collaborating to produce actionable, real-world solutions. Traditional market competition can be likened to a "red ocean," where companies intensely battle for market share, leading to saturated markets and lower profits. In contrast, BOS seeks to tap into unexplored market areas, or "blue oceans," where opportunities for growth and profitability are abundant.

The BEAGLE project, under the Horizon WIDERA programme, adopts BOS to create a distinctive approach for AI knowledge valorization. Through this strategic framework, BEAGLE seeks to expand AIC by targeting unexplored market niches and promoting sustainable value chains across sectors and countries. This approach involves a diverse range of stakeholders across academia and industry, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of innovation opportunities through its multidisciplinary approach. It will be particularly focused on the increase of the academia-industry collaboration between different countries and different knowledge and industry sectors among key stakeholders. By employing a structured model of phased collaboration, the project supports managers in academia and industry seeking to drive sustainable, cross-sector innovation through AIC. This approach emphasizes strategic planning for long-term impact, contributing to the resilience and competitiveness of EU industries.

This paper reports findings from desk research and a survey conducted among BEAGLE’s EU-based project partners, particularly within Technology & Innovation, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Sustainability & Environment. Results indicate that collaborative research, academic spin-offs, and both single-entity and consortia-based partnerships play key roles in fostering AI valorization across Europe. Most practices target both academia and industry, with significant contributions from collaborative research and academic spin-offs. Our analysis revealed a balanced distribution between practices led by single entities and those by consortia involving universities and businesses. These findings contribute to both theory and practice by extending the understanding of AIC success factors in diverse European contexts; demonstrating the practical application of BOS in knowledge transfer; providing actionable frameworks for practitioners to enhance cross-sector collaboration effectiveness.

Keywords: Blue ocean strategy, Academia-industry collaboration, knowledge valorization.