Heading towards innovation: Implementation of the international project "Deep Tech Empowerment for Higher Education Institutions" Skills2Scale

From November 28 to 29, representatives of Uzhhorod National University, namely Nadiya Boyko, the Advisor to the Rector on Innovation, Head of the Department of Medical and Biological Disciplines, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, and Inha Besehanych, a Master's degree holder from the Faculty of Foreign Philology, and a First Category Engineer in the Department of Scientific and Grant Activities, participated in a working meeting "Peer Learning Event" held in Rovaniemi, Finland, as part of the "Skills2Scale" project.  The project is being implemented in two phases throughout 2023-2024, with its main goal being to enhance entrepreneurship education through the utilization of Beyond 5G technologies and subsequent digital advancements. 

 During the working meeting, project partners familiarized themselves with the best practices and approaches employed by our Finnish counterparts in implementing a wide range of innovations in education, scientific research, and entrepreneurship.

During the first day, participants discussed the progress and strategic objectives of the project. The presentation by colleagues from the University of Lapland served as a source of inspiration for other participants. The presentations by representatives of 5G communication operators and regional political bodies demonstrated that opportunities for applying advanced technologies in higher education are both available and currently being utilized to address pressing economic challenges.

The "Potential of 5G in Lapland" panel provided experts and representatives from the university environment with an opportunity to discuss challenges, initial milestones, and prospects for implementing 5G technology in Finnish higher education institutions.

Participants in the working meeting were offered visits to local innovation centers, where they explored the structure and operation of local accelerators. Visits to TEQU.fi and FrostBit proved particularly valuable. TEQU.fi (https://www.tequ.fi/fi/) assists local business representatives in faster and more efficient development. Their unconventional practice, bringing together engineers, industrial designers, and business experts, makes their technological solutions innovative and consumer-centric.

Additionally, FrostBit (https://www.frostbit.fi/en/home/) plays a significant role in the digital transformation processes across various sectors, including forestry, mining, construction, tourism, healthcare, and mobility and transportation. Their impressive track record in executing projects funded by the European Union underscores the indispensability of game developers in advancing diverse industry sectors. FrostBit places special emphasis on collaborating with higher education institutions, particularly with Lapland University of Applied Sciences (Lapland UAS) and the Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Lapland. This collaboration fosters the creation of innovative solutions and facilitates knowledge exchange between researchers, industry practitioners, and FrostBit software consumers.

The FrostBit laboratory serves not only as a hub for scientific research but also as a center for practical innovations and a learning environment for students. This approach enables the integration of traditional engineering competencies with knowledge in industrial design and business strategies, culminating in the development of innovative and competitive solutions.

 The latest meeting with representatives of the consulting company emphasized the importance of maintaining prolonged and adequate communication among all parties involved in the journey towards implementing innovative solutions in education and life. They also highlighted the complexity of implementing organizational changes and potential strategies for overcoming obstacles along this path.

The successful implementation of the "Skills2Scale" project, aimed at expanding high-tech capabilities for institutions of higher education, by the team from Uzhhorod National University reflects our readiness to meet contemporary challenges and actively support initiatives aimed at improving the educational process and fostering the development of innovative ideas. Presently, best practices have already been partially integrated into the curriculum of the dental, biological, and physical faculties, as well as the faculties of information technology and the Research and Educational Institute of Chemistry and Ecology.

 According to information from the Department of Scientific Grant Activities

 

 

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