Kauno kolegija strengthens international ties at the UNINOVIS Alliance International Week in France
International cooperation and the development of innovation are becoming an increasingly important part of higher education, opening up new opportunities for both the academic community and society. Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution is consistently moving in this direction – its representatives: Head of the Student Affairs and Career Unit, who is overseeing the establishment of the Centre of Excellence at Kauno kolegija, Aurimas Galkontas, Senior Specialist at the Lifelong Learning Centre Kristina Juodeikienė, Associate Professor at the Language Centre Dr Marijana Prodanović, Lecturer-Practitioner at the Business Department of the Faculty of Business Alanas Malašinskas, and Associate Professor at the Alytus Faculty Dr Andrius Daranda participated in the International Week organised by a partner institution of the UNINOVIS alliance – Université Sorbonne Paris Nord (USPN) – which took place on 23–27 March.
During the International Week, participants deepened their knowledge of the concepts of Living Labs and Excellence Hubs, discussed their practical application in higher education institutions, and shared best practices. Particular attention during the event was given to the development of innovation in real-life conditions, multi-sectoral collaboration, and the involvement of students in decision-making processes.
‘The programme included a variety of activities: presentations, workshops, discussions, and international networking sessions, during which participants analysed the strengths of their institutions, the societal challenges they address, and opportunities for international cooperation. Concrete steps were also discussed on how the Living Labs methodology could be integrated into the activities of Excellence Hubs and contribute to strengthening innovation ecosystems,’ shares A. Galkontas.
The International Week brought together experts from various fields – lecturers, researchers, project managers, and administrative staff from different European higher education institutions – providing opportunities to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and initiate new joint projects.
‘Participation in this event significantly contributes to strengthening the internationalisation of Kauno kolegija, creating opportunities to expand joint activities with partners of the UNINOVIS alliance. The experience gained and the connections established open up even broader opportunities to develop joint projects, share best practices, and enhance the institution’s visibility within the international academic community,’ notes the Head of the Student Affairs and Career Unit.
He adds that this participation also promotes the implementation of innovation in study and research activities – according to A. Galkontas, the application of the principles of Living Labs and Excellence Hubs enables the creation of more open, co-creation-based innovation ecosystems, involving students, lecturers, and representatives of business and the public sector: ‘In this way, the practical application of knowledge is strengthened, interdisciplinarity is encouraged, and there is a stronger focus on addressing real societal challenges.’
At Kauno kolegija, an Excellence Hub in the fields of logistics and cybersecurity, called CyberLog, is being developed, aiming to bring together the potential of science, studies, and business in creating innovative solutions in these strategically important areas.
‘The knowledge gained during the International Week will contribute to the development of this centre at Kauno kolegija. It will help to more clearly shape its areas of activity, develop cooperation models, and ensure a sustainable impact of its operations. All this will enable the creation of an advanced, open, and collaboration-based environment for studies, research, and innovation, focused on long-term value for both the academic community and society,’ concludes A. Galkontas.
