Taking place from June 16 to 19, 2024, this event was a pivotal moment for Belgium to strengthen international partnerships and showcase advancements in key sectors such as renewable energies and the circular economy.
Central to this mission was the European University Alliance Circle U., represented prominently by Amélie Jacquemin, professor of entrepreneurship and coordinator of the "Sustainable Change Makers" program. This innovative program, co-developed by professors across Circle U. member institutions, aims to inspire master's and doctoral students to develop projects that contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future.
Innovation and Sustainability: The "Sustainable Change Makers" Program
During this mission, doctoral students Sélénia Anastasia and Tryphène Ndombasi were key spokespersons for the "Sustainable Change Makers" program. They presented their vision of a platform designed to foster student innovation through competitions and streamlined access to resources necessary for realizing sustainable projects. This initiative reflects Circle U.'s commitment to promoting transdisciplinary education, preparing future leaders to tackle the complex challenges of our time.
Amine, another doctoral student, also played a crucial role in the mission. Accompanying his thesis supervisor, Professor Amélie Jacquemin, Amine shared his experiences from the "Sustainable Change Makers" program. He highlighted the profound impact this program had on his academic journey, emphasizing how presenting to an engaged and receptive audience in Norway was a memorable and enriching experience for him. His reflections underscore the personal and professional growth opportunities facilitated by such international exchanges.
Strengthening European Partnerships and Synergies
The economic mission also featured strategic meetings between Belgian universities such as UCLouvain and KU Leuven and their Norwegian counterparts. These discussions focused on enhancing academic and industrial collaborations with a shared goal of stimulating innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Roundtables and Conferences: A Forum for Innovation
A highlight of the mission was participation in roundtable discussions and conferences where experts like Amélie Jacquemin debated the crucial role of universities and European university alliances in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. These discussions underscored the importance of developing dynamic innovation ecosystems capable of translating scientific discoveries into practical applications for societal benefit.
Inspiring and Sustainable Impact
In conclusion, the economic mission in Oslo not only strengthened ties between Belgium and Norway in strategic areas but also illustrated how initiatives such as Circle U.'s "Sustainable Change Makers" program can shape the future of European innovation. By emphasizing education, collaboration, and sustainable entrepreneurship, Circle U. and its partners continue to play a pivotal role in building a more innovative and resilient society.
For participants like Amine, this experience was not only an academic milestone but also a personal journey that will resonate throughout their careers. As Professor Amélie Jacquemin aptly put it, "We return to Belgium energised and filled with new ideas to continue this incredible multidisciplinary and international adventure that is Circle U.!"
This mission served as a testament to the power of uniting knowledge, skills, and ambitions to address contemporary challenges while inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of innovation.
