As part of the Erasmus KA2 project “Capacity Building in Higher Education,” Sumy National Agrarian University organized a workshop titled “Models of Collaboration between Universities and Communities: Comparative Perspectives from Germany and Ukraine”. This event became an important platform for exchanging experiences and fostering cooperation between academic institutions and local communities. Participants included representatives from higher education institutions, local government bodies, NGOs, and businesses from both countries.
The event was opened by Olena MELNYK and Diana SPULBER, who emphasized the importance of establishing effective communication between universities and communities to develop joint projects focused on social and economic progress. They highlighted the need for innovative approaches and solutions to today’s challenges, positioning universities as hubs of intellectual growth that support community development.
One of the workshop’s highlights was a presentation by Ralf TREIDEL, who shared insights from the “City of Open Innovations” project. This concept focuses on creating an environment that fosters progress and addresses key issues through civic engagement. Ralf underscored the importance of strategic access to external innovative potential for cultivating a culture of openness, which is fundamental to sustainable urban and community development. He detailed the project’s objectives, tasks, and partners, as well as the five core principles of open innovation, sparking lively discussion among participants.
Margarita LYSHENKO presented the activities of the business school at Sumy National Agrarian University, which operates within the project framework. She showcased several successful projects with significant impacts on community development, including:
1. Veteran Reintegration Program – “Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership,” aimed at helping veterans transition to civilian life through support in developing their businesses.
2. Social Entrepreneurship School – A pilot educational project running from June 4 to July 4, 2024, at the Sumy Business School. This course focuses on transforming entrepreneurial ideas into comprehensive business projects with strong social components. Supported by the United Nations, it seeks to aid war-affected communities by fostering socially-oriented businesses.
3. Comprehensive Program for Rural Community Development – A project aimed at creating a network of empowered representatives from local governments to support rural community development in the context of Ukraine’s European integration.
Establishing university-community collaboration centers is a critical element for effective interaction between academic institutions and local communities. These centers should coordinate joint projects, organize educational programs, advise local authorities and businesses, and serve as platforms for social initiative development. Key components include appointing roles such as center directors, project coordinators, analysts, and communication specialists, with clear responsibilities and authority to ensure efficiency.
The workshop concluded with an active exchange of ideas, experiences, and future plans. Participants discussed the potential for developing collaborative models between universities and communities, especially in post-conflict recovery and European integration contexts. A key takeaway was the need for open innovation platforms to involve communities in decision-making processes affecting local economic and social initiatives.
The event highlighted the significance of such cooperation for sustainable community development and the effective integration of new management approaches to meet modern challenges. The discussed projects provide real opportunities for collaboration through innovative business strategies and social initiatives.
Materials:
– Bielefeld Open Innovation City and the Community Involvement of Universities as One Topic of Third Mission (Prof. Dr. Rulf J. Treidel)
– The Role and Development of the University to Strengthen Community Resilience (Prof. Dr. Marharyta Lyshenko)
