Future of Europe: Innovative solutions from Rostock inspire at the conference!

Future of Europe: Innovative solutions from Rostock inspire at the conference!

The final conference of the EU-funded EXPER project took place on March 10th and 11th, 2025, which spanned a period of 30 months. The main aim of the project was to strengthen sustainable innovation ecosystems in widening regions, also known as structurally weak regions. The conference provided a platform to present the results of the project and discuss future collaborations.

The international project consortium consisted of eight partners, including the University of Las Palmas on Gran Canaria and the University of the Azores. The University of Rostock played an active role and developed innovative approaches and best practices within the project. Professor Michael Leyer, Wieland Müller and Dustin Liebetrau from the University of Rostock presented key results, while Angelina Schilling made valuable contributions throughout the entire project period.

Focus topics and activities

The focus of the project included supporting young researchers, international exchange on responsible research and the development of practical solutions for dealing with intellectual property. These aspects are crucial in the context of the EU's research and innovation policy, which aims to ensure the continent's competitiveness and address societal challenges, as set out in the EU's research and innovation objectives. The European Union promotes collaboration between research teams from different countries and disciplines to achieve technological breakthroughs and transform innovative ideas into commercially potential products, which can have a lasting positive impact on society.

Also part of the project was the event “Convocatoria de Ensayos ‘THE UNIVERSITY WE WANT’”, organized by the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Consulta Europa Projects and Innovation SL. This initiative aimed to promote dialogue between young people about the role of the university in the green and blue economy. Financial support was provided by the EU under the EXPER project to encourage students in the 3rd and 4th grades of ESO and the 1st and 2nd grades of Bachillerato to submit their visions and proposals for university transformation.

Long-term future and cooperation

The conference not only offered a review of the project's results, but also the opportunity to discuss further cooperation opportunities. The University of Rostock plans to continue the collaborations established during the project in the long term. This is particularly important because, according to the EU, research and innovation are crucial to addressing global challenges and helping to improve the social model in Europe.

The results of the EXPER project are expected to be disseminated to the broader public through publications, events and information offerings in order to make the findings and practices developed available in the long term and to further strengthen the innovative power in the Widening regions.

How University of Rostock reports, the project is not only a milestone in collaboration between different institutions, but also a step towards a sustainable future of science and innovation in Europe. Further information about the project can be found on the EXP website can be accessed, as well as via the European Union initiatives to promote research and innovation.