A diverse group of approximately 100 students recently participated in the E³UDRES² Intensive I Living Labs spanning over the course of one week. The format aimed to bring together students from several E³UDRES² partnering countries on-site in Austria, with a large contingent of participants joining from St. Pölten UAS' renowned media study programmes. Unfortunately, the heavy floods that had hit Lower Austria at the same time made it impossible for most students to join the event in person - the format had to be held online as a consequence. Nevertheless, throughout the week, the students teamed up virtually to tackle regional challenges from stakeholders such as “Natur im Garten” (Nature in the Garden), GLAM or the “Gesa Haus des Lernens” (Gesa House of Learning), among others. Working in interdisciplinary and international teams, the students developed innovative solutions to these real-world problems, applying their academic knowledge from various disciplines.
Over the course of the week, the students were supported by coaches from the E³UDRES² partner universities, the Educational Entrepreneurs. They provided guidance for the students throughout the whole ideation process, as well as helping them turn their ideas into a full concept that can serve as a possible solution. Many of these coaches had made it to St. Pölten in time, allowing at least them to collaborate in person.
The original programme of the Intensive I Living Labs had foreseen also a rich cultural experience, with a planned trip to Vienna, a guided tour around the Lobmeyr manufactury, an Austrian company known internationally for their high-quality glassware, as well as a city tour through St. Pölten including a visit to the vice-mayor of the city.
The week culminated in the Intensive I Living Lab Showdown, where each team presented their finished concepts to the Educational Entrepreneurs, challenge owners and peers. The presentations showcased the students' creativity and commitment to solving regional issues, marking the conclusion of an inspiring week of collaboration and learning. With the Intensive I Living Labs being over, the E³UDRES² team would like to especially thank students, staff and challenge owners for their great work and flexibility in these unforeseen circumstances.
