Dutch-German student teams in Smart Solution Labs
Starting in September, Saxion students will be working in interdisciplinary teams together with German students from the applied universities: Fachhochschule Münster and Westfälische Hochschule Bocholt. They will be working together in the Interreg subsidised project: “Smart Solution Labs” solving (technical) issues faced by businesses in the cross-border region. They will spend eight weeks devising solutions or for example, developing a prototype. The teams with eight students will be supervised by coaches from the applied universities taking part.
The project was officially launched in Vreden, Germany on 9 May 2023. This kicked-off the collaboration between the three major applied universities and SMEs in the Euregio.
The idea behind the project
The Interreg project got its inspiration from Saxion’s Smart Solutions Semester. A deliberate decision was made to have a short running time of eight weeks. “We believe that doing it this way will give a short but strong impulse to the businesses concerned,” says project leader Renate Warmers of the Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft (WFG) für den Kreis Borken (Economic Development Agency for the Borken District).
There appears to be much demand for student collaboration. Research shows that the innovative capacity of SMEs is limited by a lack of time, personnel and financial resources. However, specific projects can be set up thanks to collaboration with student teams. The SMEs in the border region then benefit from innovative ideas while students gain a better insight into the business community in the region. Benefitting the ultimate goal: retaining talent for the euregional labour market.
Benefits for Saxion students
“By taking part in the Smart Solution Labs project, our students will have the opportunity to develop alongside their study, in an interdisciplinary, international and innovative environment just over the border,” explains Janco Bonnink, Director Education and Student Support. They will work with students from other applied universities and different disciplines on real assignments from the business community. “I would call that a win-win situation. It lets you develop your intercultural skills while also becoming acquainted with potential employers in the region.”
The Smart Solution Labs project is subsidised by the European Regional Development Fund. The following Interreg partners have also contributed: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and the Province of Overijssel on the Dutch side and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate and Energy NRW (Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Industrie, Klima und Energie NRW) on the German side.