UzhNU Hosted an Information Day for the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s Culture & Creativity Program
On Wednesday, April 22, Uzhhorod National University hosted an information day for the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) in the field of Culture & Creativity—a community that supports the development of cultural and creative industries in Europe by promoting innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.
EIT Culture & Creativity is a European network that helps creative individuals and organizations develop their ideas, secure funding, and expand internationally.
The event aimed to familiarize participants with opportunities to participate in EIT Culture & Creativity programs, provide information on funding, training, and project support, and create a space for establishing international partnerships in the field of culture and creative industries.
Vitalii Serzhanov, Head of the Scientific Grant Activities Department, noted: “The key focus of our gathering today is culture and creativity, which encompasses fashion, design, architecture, audiovisual arts, games, cultural heritage, and everything related to these fields.
This network works with governments, politicians, local authorities, universities, institutes, media organizations, enterprises, and companies operating in this field. One of the EIT’s objectives is to create a community where we exchange experiences, and on the other hand, this fund finances innovations, particularly in the creative industries.
This cooperation with Uzhhorod National University began last year, and we are one of the first partners of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology in Ukraine specifically in this area. This gives us the opportunity to collaborate with European partners: to exchange experiences and ideas, work together on projects, and receive co-financing or full funding.”
The event was also attended by UzhNU Rector Volodymyr Smolanka, Member of Parliament Mykhailo Laba, UzhNU Honorary Professor and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics of the Technical University of Košice Jan Buleca, First Deputy Chairman of the Transcarpathian Regional Council Andriy Sheketa, as well as representatives of the academic and creative communities.
In his speech, University Rector Volodymyr Smolanka emphasized: “It is important that we familiarize ourselves with new practices, learn about our opportunities, and discover new areas of cooperation, particularly with our colleagues. I sincerely thank everyone who helped organize the event—our partners, as well as representatives of the Technical University for preparing the practical session. I am convinced that the new knowledge and contacts gained today will be useful for each of us.”
Branislav Kršak, Business Development Manager at EIT Culture & Creativity CLC East, also addressed the participants. He emphasized the practical aspects of collaboration and the opportunities for participants: “We’ve come here to understand exactly what you want to achieve. It’s important for us to hear from you. At the same time, I will outline the basics and key facts so that you can better understand where the opportunities lie. Surely, each of you has encountered products in your life that are the result of cultural or creative activities. That is why this sector is an integral part of our lives and the economy. Over 8 million people work in this sector, which accounts for up to 4% of the employed population. It is truly a major sector.”
The information day served as a platform for exchanging experiences, establishing contacts, and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the field of culture and creative industries between Ukraine and European partners.
