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Collaboration Modes

This page is a compact reference for picking the execution shape of an already-defined work package. If the technical scope is still fuzzy, go back to Work Packages before choosing a mode.

Core Modes

Mode Use When Default Artifacts Avoid When
Thesis sponsorship the problem is well-scoped and can be framed as a 3-6 month research or implementation task student work package, benchmark, prototype the real need is only strategic advice
Applied pilot validation the problem already has a concrete product or workflow hypothesis pilot prototype, validation notes, scoped collaboration there is no narrow sponsor or data slice yet
Grant collaboration the problem is larger, slower, or consortium-shaped concept note, partner shape, funding route the technical scope is still fuzzy
Advisor or lab relationship the main need is guidance, framing, or later access call, intro path, future collaboration route we already know the exact scoped build we want

Selection Heuristics

  • Pick thesis sponsorship when the work package already has a crisp deliverable and publishable framing.
  • Pick applied pilot validation when there is a sponsor, artifact, or dataset that can anchor the work quickly.
  • Pick grant collaboration only after the work package is sharp enough that a consortium story will not blur it.
  • Pick advisor or lab relationship when we need framing, methodological confidence, or a warmer route into a later build.

Agent Rules

  • Each active work package should name one default collaboration mode.
  • Do not begin with grant logic unless the work package already has clear technical scope.
  • Keep early outreach tied to a narrow ask, not a broad innovation story.
  • If the collaboration mode changes, update the linked opportunity page rather than leaving the old shape implicit.

Open Questions

  • Should these modes later become separate pages with message templates and qualification checklists?
  • Do we want a dedicated student-hiring or HiWi mode later?

Sources

  • TextCAD/04_Marketing and Outreach/13_Universities/deep-research-report.md
  • Structure review and synthesis from the May 15, 2026 working session