From 2nd December 2024, delegates from across Europe and beyond set up in Technology Park Berlin Adlershof for an interactive Study Visit hosted by Steinbeis Wissens und Technologietransfer GmbH. Part of the ERA SHUTTLE project funded by the European Union, the event centered on innovation transfer and talent retention through an inspiring mix of academic insights and business strategies.
The University of Gdańsk, a partner in the project consortium, played an active role in this visit, provided the insides and at the same time gaining new knowledge and experience. Representing the University were Professor Paweł Antonowicz, Vice-Rector for Development and Finance; Professor Anna Dziadkiewicz, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs and International Cooperation; Katarzyna Gronowska, Head of the Technology Transfer Office; Izabela Raszczyk, Administrative Director of the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science; and Dominika Butkiewicz, ERA SHUTTLE project manager. The project partners invited also the guests from Ukraine and involved them in the project activities. Prof. Oksana Zinchenko and prof. Nataliia Vasylieva from the Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University jointed the Study Visit and took part in the planed activities.
The two-day event offered a rich collection of activities designed to inspire collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Day 1 began with a keynote by Tonka Petričević from the University of Split on university strategies for talent retention. This was followed by case studies on cross-sectoral skills development, presented by Bessie Fischer-Bohn of WISTA Management GmbH and Dr. Clio Dosi of the University of Bologna. The day concluded with a guided tour of the cutting-edge WISTA Makerspace.
Day 2 included site visits to prestigious scientific institutions such as the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut and the National Materials Testing Office. Notably, Professor Paweł Antonowicz delivered an inspiring keynote presentation on An innovative, balanced and holistic approach to strategy creation – the example of the University of Gdańsk. Another highlight was a lecture on Theory and models of innovation ecosystems by Professor Oleksandra Antoniouk from Kiev Academic University. Three other speaker from Germany and Italy continued the subject of Innovation Ecosystems steering the participants into more practical aspects and further, energetic, open discussion round. The day wrapped up with an atmospheric walking tour of Berlin’s historic East Side Gallery. The second day of the event was part of the public event Steinbeis Dialog@Adlershof.
The Study Visit highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in fostering innovation and retaining talent in academia. Delegates from Split, Malta, Gdańsk, and beyond left energized to implement transformative solutions in their institutions.
This event, organized under the ERA SHUTTLE project (Accelerating ERA by Sharing Unique Talents for a Healthy Life and Environment), reflects the European Union’s dedication to building robust innovation ecosystems and nurturing a skilled workforce for the future. Funded through the HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, it continues to drive important changes across Widening countries.
To learn more about the project and be updated with the future activities, please visit https://erashuttle.eu/.