From July 17 to July 21, a summer youth camp “Smart Camp” was organized for students majoring in “Agronomy” at the Educational and Research Institute of Innovation and Environmental Management and Infrastructure of ZUNU, “Ecological Safety and Environmental Protection”, “Tourism”, “Transport Technologies”, “Food Technologies” within the framework of the Jean Monnet Erasmus Module project (Project 101085642 – SSEPRDS – ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCH-RSCH “Smart Specialization: European experience of regional development strategy”).
The program of the Smart Camp summer youth camp is designed to allow participants to immerse themselves in the topic of Smart specialization, gain practical skills and knowledge, and expand their horizons and professional contacts.
The opening of the summer camp began with a welcoming speech by Vasyl Brych, Director of the Educational and Research Institute of Innovation, Nature Management and Infrastructure. He noted the importance of promoting and implementing the European experience and new approach of Smart Specialization, which focuses on the use of unique resources and potential for each region of Ukraine. He wished the event success, constructive discussions and creative results.
The project coordinator, professor of the Department of Business Analytics and Innovation Engineering Petro Putsenteilo and project expert, deputy director for project activities at the Educational and Research Institute of Innovation, Environmental Management and Infrastructure Serhii Hunko also joined the welcoming speech. They expressed their gratitude to our European partners and experts who share their experience and knowledge. The coordinator also added that during this camp, students will have the opportunity to participate in lectures, panel discussions, and workshops. An important part of the program is teamwork, where participants will be able to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and present their projects.
Then, according to the summer camp program, project expert, associate professor Ulyana Tkach gave a lecture on “Examples of Successful Smart Specialization in Europe and Ukraine.” During the demonstration, the speaker discussed in detail the benefits of Smart specialization for the development of Ukraine’s regions. She noted that the Smart Specialization strategy is a powerful tool for stimulating regional development in Ukraine. The concept makes it possible to effectively use available resources, attract investment and promote innovation, which ultimately leads to sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life. A particularly interesting aspect of the lecture was a video demonstration of successful examples of the Smart Specialization concept in Ukraine, such as IT and creative industries in Lviv, agriculture in Vinnytsia region, and biotechnology in Kyiv region.
Also, Oleksandr Bondar, associate professor of the Department of Ecology and Health of ZUNU, joined the summer camp. He emphasized the commonality of the concept of environmental solutions and the strategy of Smart specialization. Both of these concepts are aimed at sustainable regional development and improving the quality of life. They join forces to preserve natural resources and create cost-effective, environmentally friendly and socially responsible solutions. The use of environmentally friendly technologies and the implementation of circular economy principles can become part of smart specialization, which can reduce the negative impact on the environment.
The results of the Smart Camp summer camp exceeded all expectations, demonstrating the high engagement, creativity and professionalism of the students. During the camp, participants actively worked on various projects that reflected modern approaches to Smart specialization and innovative development. Here are some of the key results and projects presented by the students: the Agro-Innovations project: creating modern agri-parks using the latest technologies to increase productivity and environmental sustainability; the Green Energy project: developing strategies for the introduction of renewable energy sources to ensure the region’s energy independence; the SmartEducation project: introducing the latest technologies into the educational process to provide access to quality education in remote regions; CommunityWellness initiative: creating programs to support mental and physical health for different age groups; Tourism without Borders project: developing tourist routes for the most demanding traveler.
Thus, the results of the Smart Camp summer camp have become an important step in preparing young professionals for the challenges of the modern world, contributing to the development of their professional skills and innovative thinking.
The project is funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed and The opinions are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the grantor can be responsible for them responsibility.
