Living Lab Methodology in Schools and Universities
TIME
25th September 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
TRACKS
TRACK 3: Living Labs for Inclusive Soci(et)al Engagement
ORGANISER
West University of Timisoara
Target Audience
School principals; teachers (secondary school or high school)
Type of Session
Topic Debate; Workshop; Round table
DESCRIPTION
Join us for an engaging side-event under Track 3: Living Labs for Inclusive Soci(et)al Engagement at the Open Living Lab Days international conference. This session is designed specifically for school principals and secondary/high school teachers, focusing on the transformative potential of Romanian schools as living labs.
Guided by thought leaders from the Romanian Ministry of Education, the Timiș County School Inspectorate, and the Regional Development Agency (TBC), alongside insights from MediaLab UGR and the ERASMUS+ project Urban Imprint, we will delve into the strategic role of schools as innovation hubs that foster deep social and societal engagement. This discussion will explore the replicable best practices from universities, adapted for the Romanian educational context, enabling schools to become incubators for community-driven solutions, sustainability initiatives, and inclusive educational practices.
Participants will have the opportunity to actively engage with the speakers, exploring practical approaches to transforming their schools into dynamic living labs. This session will provide a visionary perspective on how schools can pioneer new forms of collaboration, experimentation, and community involvement, aligning with national educational goals and local development needs.
To ensure a focused and impactful discussion, this invitation-only event welcomes contributions from participants who can share clear best practices on schools or universities as living labs within their own communities. If you are an OLLD participant interested in joining the conversation, please submit your best practice example and express your intention to participate by September 19th, 2024, via email to inovare@e-uvt.ro.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Shared understanding of Living Lab concepts: participants will gain a clear and shared understanding of what living lab methodologies entail and how they can be applied in the context of schools and universities. This foundational knowledge will set the stage for more informed discussions and future collaborations.
- Exchange of best practices: the session will facilitate an exchange of best practices among participants, focusing on examples of successful living lab initiatives in schools and universities. This will include brief presentations or discussions highlighting key successes and challenges.
- Initial framework for adapting practices to Romanian schools: participants will collaboratively outline an initial framework or key principles for adapting and implementing living lab methodologies in Romanian schools. This framework will consider the specific needs and challenges of the local context.
- Identification of collaboration opportunities: the session will identify potential areas for collaboration between schools, county level and national authorities, and community organizations. This could involve agreeing on one or two pilot projects or initiatives to explore further after the session.
- Commitment to follow-up discussions: participants will commit to continuing the conversation beyond the session, with a plan to organize follow-up meetings or communications. This could include setting up a working group or planning a more detailed workshop or project in the near future.
- Documentation of key insights: key insights and recommendations from the session will be documented and shared with all participants. This summary will serve as a resource for participants to refer to as they explore the integration of living lab methodologies in their respective institutions.
FORMAT
The session will begin with an introduction, followed by a panel discussion on best practices. Participants will then engage in group discussions, and the session will conclude with a sharing of insights and a wrap-up.
Agenda
- 11.00 – 11.15 Introduction and context setting
- 11.15 – 11.45 Panel discussion and case studies
*explore successful examples and challenges of implementing living labs in educational settings. Each speaker will share a brief case study or insight from their experience - 11.45 – 12.15 Interactive group discussions on adapting Living Labs to Romanian Schools*
- 12.15 – 12.30 Group sharing and wrap-up
Alexandra Petcu
Coordinator of Head of Innovation & Technology Transfer at West University of Timisoara
Alexandra Petcu
Coordinator of Head of Innovation & Technology Transfer at West University of TimisoaraCoordinator of the Digital & Green Living Lab within the West University of Timișoara (WUT), Head of Innovation & Technology Transfer Office (WUT) and Visiting Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (WUT). With previous experience in public policy on higher education and flexible learning paths for students and a special focus on the impact of the European Universities Initiatives towards a social and innovative EEA and EHEA, Alexandra Petcu coordinates the sustainability strategy of the UNITA - Universitas Montium European University Alliance within WUT. Alexandra Petcu has 15+ years’ experience in hazardous waste management and entrepreneurship for environmental protection; also, she has contributed to Romanian policymaking on environmental protection prior to Romania’s adherence to the European Union. She has managed the creation and financing of a sustainability driven student entrepreneurial ecosystem in the West Region of Romania, concluded through the launch of 73 new businesses in the region, all of which have adopted lower CO2 emission targets, biodiversity conservation objectives, the reduction of waste generation or adopting new digital solutions. From a scientific perspective, Alexandra Petcu holds a doctoral degree in Human Capital Accounting and her current research focuses on Living Lab methodologies in schools and Universities to support the education pillar of the EU twin transitiom.
Andrei Mihai Crăciun
Advisor to the Minister, Romanian Ministry of Education
Andrei Mihai Crăciun
Advisor to the Minister, Romanian Ministry of EducationAndrei Mihai Crăciun is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in team management, educational initiatives, and digital transformation. His career is characterized by a commitment to creating long-term societal benefits and fostering innovation. Key Highlights: - Over 13 years of hands-on experience managing multidisciplinary teams - More than 19 years managing educational initiatives from local to EU policy levels
José Carlos Mota
Assistant Professor at the University of Aveiro
José Carlos Mota
Assistant Professor at the University of AveiroAssistant Professor at the Department of Social, Political and Territorial Sciences at the University of Aveiro and researcher at GOVCOPP. He was the Director of the Master in Urban and Regional Planning (2016-2020). He has been involved in several national and international research projects on territorial-based participatory planning. He has been promoting several civic initiatives in favour of cities and citizenship.
Holger Hoff
Transdisciplinary Interface Manager in the Field of Excellence Climate Change Graz
Holger Hoff
Transdisciplinary Interface Manager in the Field of Excellence Climate Change GrazBridging science and society, co-developing sustainable solutions, previously held positions: senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, senior scientist at the Stockholm Environment Institute.