Roundtable on “Innovation and Creativity in EU Project Design"

The University of Economics (UNEC) Business School (MBA), in collaboration with the International Cooperation Department, hosted a roundtable discussion on "Innovation and Creativity in the Design of European Union Projects." The event brought together academics, project managers, researchers, and international cooperation experts to exchange insights on modern approaches to designing competitive and high-impact EU-funded projects.

The primary objective of the event was to enhance UNEC’s active participation in international projects by fostering an innovative mindset in project development. Additionally, the roundtable served as a key platform for discussing new opportunities for collaboration, strengthening UNEC’s engagement with global partners, and ensuring the university remains a leader in securing international funding.

In her opening remarks, a representative from UNEC’s International Cooperation Department highlighted the university’s growing role in European research and development programs and emphasized the importance of integrating creativity and innovation into project design. The session aimed to equip faculty, researchers, and project developers with practical knowledge on enhancing the effectiveness of funding applications and aligning projects with EU priorities.

The roundtable featured discussions on several critical aspects of project development, including:

🔹 Integrating Innovation into Project Design – Participants explored ways to incorporate new ideas, interdisciplinary research, and digital tools to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of project proposals. Experts stressed the importance of designing projects that address real-world challenges and offer innovative solutions.

🔹 Writing Competitive and High-Quality Project Proposals – Attendees shared strategies for crafting well-structured, impactful, and competitive proposals that align with European Union funding requirements. Case studies from successful EU-funded projects were examined to identify key success factors.

🔹 Aligning with European Union Priorities – The discussion also emphasized the significance of ensuring that project proposals are in line with the EU’s strategic goals, such as sustainability, digital transformation, economic resilience, and social innovation. Experts provided guidance on how to structure projects to increase their chances of receiving funding.

The event fostered a dynamic exchange of experiences among participants, providing an opportunity for experts and project designers to discuss emerging trends and challenges in EU project development. Discussions also focused on the role of strategic partnerships in creating successful proposals and securing funding under the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs.

Experts highlighted that strong institutional support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning are crucial in ensuring that projects not only receive funding but also achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes. The roundtable concluded with a commitment to further developing UNEC’s international project portfolio and fostering stronger partnerships with leading institutions across Europe. Participants emphasized the need for continuous professional development, training sessions, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen UNEC’s position as a key player in international research and development projects.

By focusing on innovation and creativity in project design, UNEC aims to expand its impact in the global academic and research landscape. The university continues to take proactive steps in securing more EU-funded projects, ensuring long-term growth and international recognition in higher education and research.