The general modalities presented below have to be discussed with each potential research partner. The details (e.g. framework agreement, process for monitoring collaborations, possible longer-lasting commitment, etc.) of the participation in the "research partner" program are discussed according to the emphasis that Alcatel-Lucent  and the partner put on each aspect of the partnership. Also, periodic steering committees are organized between Alcatel-Lucent  and the research partner to discuss the partnership at large, as well as to exchange strategic visions and orientations for the future.

Research collaborations

• The research partners are consulted first on new Alcatel-Lucent collaborative research topics. They may therefore show their expertise before a more "open" search is launched.
• The research partners have the opportunity to collaborate with the whole Alcatel-Lucent research community world-wide. In turn, Alcatel-Lucent has a facilitated access to all local, regional, and/or national laboratories of the research partner.
• The research partners have the opportunity to provide Alcatel-Lucent with openings on innovative technologies and projects they are working on, and to attract attention on further exploitation of results from previous or existing research collaborations.
• Other initiatives such as common workshops and seminars, common publications, common participation in R&D programs, etc. are supported and facilitated, therefore demonstrating publicly a common research expertise in specific areas.

Mobility, training and education

• Temporary assignments and exchange of researchers (or professors) from both parties shall help enhance their career path. Working more tightly together e.g. each team will help one another in their working environment and business conditions.
• Access to research and R&D assignments in Alcatel-Lucent is facilitated.
• Fellowship for PhD students are supported and facilitated.

Early stage companies programs

• The partnership is open to early stage companies programs within the university or institute to commercially leverage innovative ideas.

Selection and participation in the program

Any university or academic institution with a high standard of excellence in telecommunications-related research may be presented as a potential research partner. The criteria for selection are defined by the Program Management Committee, and re-evaluated periodically. The following criteria are taken into account:

• Mutual interest of participation in the program from all three aspects of the program (i.e. research collaborations; mobility, training and education; incubation and start-up programs);
• Strategic interest and added value of participation in the program;
• Existing collaboration and potential new collaborations in areas of mutual interest;
• Expertise of the candidate in key areas of potential collaborations;
• etc.

The "Research Partner" status (and label) is evaluated and renewed periodically. The participation in the research program and the partnership at large is seen as a potential medium to long-term commitment from both parties. However, periodic evaluations prove the interest of the participation in the research program from both parties and show that the expertise on both sides are still at a world-class level.