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Improving Energy Security through Swiss-Ukranian-Estonian Institutional Partnership
Type
applied research project
Start Date
01 April 2015
End Date
31 March 2017
Status
ongoing
Keywords
Energy
Eastern Europe
Energy Security
Renewable Energy
Innovative Teaching
Description
In light of recent political turmoil, energy security is among the top concerns around the world and particularly in Eastern Europe. Overreliance on fossil fuels prevents these countries from embarking on the path for sustainable development. This unsustainable status quo is difficult to overcome and requires dedicated efforts from all parts of the society, including academia. In contrast, energy transition has been an important topic in Switzerland, and Swiss academic institutions have played an important role in informing energy decision-making.
The current project addresses these questions by establishing an institutional partnership between the Institute for Economy and the Environment at the University of St.Gallen and scientists from two renowned academic institutions in Eastern Europe: The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Tartu (Estonia) and the Faculty of Economics and Management at Sumy State University (Ukraine). Being one of Europe's top ten business schools according to the Financial Times ranking and a center of expertise in social science energy research and teaching, there is a great potential for knowledge transfer from St.Gallen to both Tartu and Sumy. The proposed partnership has a potential to increase competitiveness of the two Eastern European universities in an area that is of high societal relevance to both countries, knowing that these institutions are already recognized as leaders in their regions.
Having explored mutual strengths and weaknesses, the project partners identified three areas of cooperation: modernization of infrastructure and teaching methodologies, capacity building and academic career development opportunities for the next generation of scientists, as well as empowerment of student-led initiatives. The project introduces a balanced mix of established (e.g. mutual visits) and innovative (e.g. webinars and virtual workshops) knowledge transfer approaches. In order to reach our goals, we planned various activities that include development of a green curriculum, improvement of teaching and research, establishment of collaborative working spaces for students, and networking and training events for young researchers.
In sum, the institutional partnership provides a concrete and feasible action plan for 24 months with a potential for long-term cooperation. It contributes to strengthening academic ties between Switzerland and Eastern Europe. The current proposal facilitates restructuring and modernisation of Eastern European partner universities, by establishing institutional innovations, which range from student course evaluations and best thesis awards to encouraging a start-up culture on campus.
The current project addresses these questions by establishing an institutional partnership between the Institute for Economy and the Environment at the University of St.Gallen and scientists from two renowned academic institutions in Eastern Europe: The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Tartu (Estonia) and the Faculty of Economics and Management at Sumy State University (Ukraine). Being one of Europe's top ten business schools according to the Financial Times ranking and a center of expertise in social science energy research and teaching, there is a great potential for knowledge transfer from St.Gallen to both Tartu and Sumy. The proposed partnership has a potential to increase competitiveness of the two Eastern European universities in an area that is of high societal relevance to both countries, knowing that these institutions are already recognized as leaders in their regions.
Having explored mutual strengths and weaknesses, the project partners identified three areas of cooperation: modernization of infrastructure and teaching methodologies, capacity building and academic career development opportunities for the next generation of scientists, as well as empowerment of student-led initiatives. The project introduces a balanced mix of established (e.g. mutual visits) and innovative (e.g. webinars and virtual workshops) knowledge transfer approaches. In order to reach our goals, we planned various activities that include development of a green curriculum, improvement of teaching and research, establishment of collaborative working spaces for students, and networking and training events for young researchers.
In sum, the institutional partnership provides a concrete and feasible action plan for 24 months with a potential for long-term cooperation. It contributes to strengthening academic ties between Switzerland and Eastern Europe. The current proposal facilitates restructuring and modernisation of Eastern European partner universities, by establishing institutional innovations, which range from student course evaluations and best thesis awards to encouraging a start-up culture on campus.
Leader contributor(s)
Partner(s)
University of Tartu, Sumy State University
Funder(s)
Topic(s)
Energy Security
Eastern Europe
Method(s)
Workshops
Idea Labs
Webinars
Range
Institute/School
Range (De)
Institut/School
Division(s)
Eprints ID
246310
Reference Number
IZ74Z0_160564 / 1