On a crisp November morning in Biarritz, France, the Atlantic winds carried the promise of innovation and collaboration. Nestled among the picturesque landscapes of the Basque Country, the first Winter School under the EU4DUAL Alliance was about to unfold. This unique gathering, born from the cross-continental journey of Savonia UAS in Finland, Mondragon University in Spain, and the ESTIA Institute of Technology in France, was on the verge of transcending boundaries.

It all began from search for an opportunity to provide an enriching international intensive study week abroad for Savonia UAS’s Master’s Degree Programme of Innovation Expertise students. In the spring of 2023, a delegation from Savonia visited Mondragon University in Spain and the ESTIA Institute of Technology in France. The purpose was to negotiate a collaborative framework among the three universities. As a result, the first Winter School of European Dual Studies University (EU4DUAL) Alliance was agreed to take place in November 2023, in Biarritz, France.

EU4DUAL Alliance comprises of nine European universities joined by a vision to be a European higher education network that produces expertise for the future needs of working life and solves global challenges in cooperation with students and working life.

During November 20-24, 70 students from these institutions, including eight from Savonia UAS, actively participated in the Innovation Week themed Product Design: From Product/Service Idea to Financing. The group consisted of business, engineering, and design Master and Bachelor level students. Prior to the intensive study week, participants engaged online to receive assignments and foster initial connections. The students were organized into multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, each led by Finnish representatives.

Their collective task was to create an innovation within three days and pitch the solution to a group of investors. The spark for these innovations was a customer problem related to mountain sports, initiated by a real company, and introduced by the Spanish students. While the teams received some guidance on the innovation process, the bulk of the challenge was left for the teams to tackle. Thus, the Winter School adopted a team learning pedagogical approach.

The teams came up with new solutions, for instance bike carriers for vehicles, search-and-rescue locators, and smart outdoor footwear and textiles. Following the presentations, investors provided feedback and posed questions, while acknowledging the remarkable efforts of all teams despite the demanding schedule and cultural diversities.

The feedback from the students was very positive. The intense 24-hour innovation exercise proved to be an effective and productive way of learning and practicing the innovation process. The varied backgrounds of the students facilitated cross-disciplinary learning, allowing for the comprehensive development of ideas from both technical and business standpoints. The diverse mix of ages, professional experiences, and cultures was seen as a valuable asset.

The success of the first Winter School solidifies plans for continued collaboration. Next year, the rendezvous is planned to take place in Spain, hosted by Mondragon University. This Winter School concept represents an agile approach to fostering collaboration among students, academics, and industry, aligning directly with the EU4DUAL Alliance’s visionary objectives. Moreover, it presents an invaluable opportunity for students to immerse themselves in innovation and internationalization simultaneously, enriching their knowledge and experience.

Writers:

Nina Huotari and Veli-Matti Tolppi, Savonia Master School, the initiators of the Winter School cooperation and team coaches of the Innovation Expertise Master´s Degree Programme