Knowledge Partners

VISTRA – Vechta Institute of Sustainability Transformation in Rural Areas

The members of the Institute focus on the various dimensions and dynamics of transformation processes in rural areas in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary manner. We are interested in multi-scalar spatial challenges around the globe and observe process of change through the lens of sustainability. Geographers, economists, psychologists and other transition researchers at VISTRA understand transformations as processes, which are heavily influenced by the activities and impact of heterogenous actors and stakeholders involved in multiple helix arrangements. 

 

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Within SIRR, VISTRA acts as the lead partner for the project’s knowledge generation. In partnership, we aim to analyse and compare the participating multiple helix hubs to identify possible supporting and hindering factors affecting the deepening process towards a consolidated multi-helix approach and questioning the efficiency of different pathways and structures towards it. 

 

We consider continuous feedback with the hubs as well as their constant accompaniment together with our partners in SIRR key elements of transdisciplinary and transformational science

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University West

University West is located in Trollhättan, Sweden and has about 730 employees and 13 000 students. Our profile and area of specialization is Work-integrated Learning (WIL) which runs through our education from undergraduate to PhD-levels as well being a central research focus. We understand WIL in three ways:

1. As a pedagogical philosophy where we view theoretical and practical knowledge as equally important and mutually dependent on each other, which means that we strive for co-creative research 
2. As a pedagogical method where we strive to integrate practical and theoretical knowledge in our courses and programs and where working life is a natural part

3. A field of study or discipline where we do research on knowledge and learning processes in working life understood in a broad sense 
   
   
    

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University West’s SIRR team consists of Professor Per Assmo, Professor Fredrik Sunnemark and Ms. Wilma Lundqvist Westin. Our research focuses on developing theoretical models that integrate the Multi-Helix Model with Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) to enhance the understanding and facilitation of learning processes. Additionally, we conduct a longitudinal study on the qualitative mapping of knowledge development in participating hubs, examining their implementation and interpretation of the Multi-Helix Model, with a particular emphasis on learning and knowledge transfer.

Furthermore, we are committed to strengthening the collaboration between the Sotenäs Hub and University West. Our research and development activities will also engage students from the master’s program in Work-Integrated Political Studies (WIPS) at University West, as well as PhD students where applicable.

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About us

Aarhus University's Department of Business Development and Technology and its SIRR Pilot at AU Herning, is proud to participate in the groundbreaking project Sustainability, Innovation, and Resilience in Rural Areas (SIRR). This initiative underscores our commitment to advancing research, fostering innovation, and enhancing resilience in rural communities.

 

Within SIRR, the AU AIROD & ENGTECH research sections acts as a WP 3 partner for the project’s knowledge generation in Sustainability, Innovation, and Resilience in Rural Areas.  AU Herning is dedicated to facilitating collaborative research and development in the ecosystem of companies, public organizations, and other stakeholders in our region. AU Herning emphasizes collaboration within the academic community and with a broad spectrum of local, regional, national, and international partners doing:

•  Interdisciplinary Research: Fostering collaboration across sections, departments, and universities worldwide
• Stakeholder Engagement: Partnering with local and international businesses, public organizations, and research institutions to drive innovation and practical solutions
• Educational Integration: Ensuring our research directly informs and enhances the BSc in Economics and Business Administration, MSc in Information Technology (IT, Communication and Organization), and MSc in Engineering (Technology Based Business Development) programs
   

Based on this, The SIRR Pilot at AU Herning contributes to the SIRR project WP 2 HUBs by: 

• Enhance Rural Sustainability: Develop and implement sustainable practices tailored to rural areas
• Foster Innovation: Encourage the creation of innovative solutions to address unique rural challenges
• Build Resilience: Strengthen the ability of rural communities to adapt and thrive in the face of economic and environmental changes
• Facilitate the SIRR Project Goals transnational: E.g., development of a Stakeholder mapping tool

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HoloHouse - an agency which broadens perspectives of sustainable development and drives the transition

HoloHouse serves as a dynamic agency dedicated to advancing sustainable development and fostering transformative change. The mission is to accelerate the transition to sustainability by facilitating impactful interactions and knowledge exchange among diverse stakeholders. 
From businesses to academia, students, and society at large, HoloHouse provides essential tools and insights necessary to meet the growing demand for sustainable products and services.

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In the SIRR project, HoloHouse plays a pivotal role as a regional hub committed to enhancing sustainability knowledge and competencies. Through the involvement in student projects and tailored e-learning programmes, HoloHouse supports the hubs empowering companies, municipalities, and civil society to embrace sustainable practices. 

 

- we are enthusiastic about exploring new opportunities within the project to integrate sustainability from inception to completion. Our goal is to ensure that sustainability becomes intrinsic to decision-making processes, aligning closely with the objectives of the EU Green Deal

HoloHouse expects collaboration to improve stakeholder engagement and project outcomes. However, embedding sustainability in project planning remains a challenge. HoloHouse aims to tackle this by using the project's platform to build a strong framework for sustainable innovation and resilience across the SIRR hubs.

HoloHouse envisions the SIRR project as a catalyst for learning and innovation within and between hubs. By harnessing diverse tools and methodologies, the goal is to uncover new pathways to sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Over the next five years, the pilot initiatives are ready to generate invaluable insights and metrics that will guide future sustainability initiatives and address potential bottlenecks.

 

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An association under the 1901 French law, L’Agence supports elected officials, technicians and partners in all their projects. The only town planning agency in France to integrate a “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire”, it hosts an Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center (CIAP).

L’Agence is made up of a multidisciplinary team, using its knowledge and expertise to serve residents and their territory. It considers everyone's ideas and works in complete synergy with its members and partners for territorial development. It is a space for dialogue, information, participation and mediation. It encourages citizens to better understand their past in order to act today and get involved for tomorrow.

L'Agence works on a territory of 89 municipalities (129 000 inhabitants, 815 km2) represented by 2 inter-municipality organisations: Communauté de Communes du Pays de Lumbres (CCPL), and Communauté d’agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer (CAPSO). It is part of the regional and national urban planning agencies networks and daily works as part of European and international projects.

L'Agence’s missions revolve around three approaches:

• “Understand”: L’Agence collects, processes, cross-references and makes historical and geographical data understandable, to shed light on possibilities, better anticipate and encourage imagination,
• “Support”: L’Agence facilitates the conduct of projects, offers solutions and actions to meet the challenges of ecological reorientation: housing, traveling, eating, consuming, working, etc.,
• “(Getting) involve(d)”: L’Agence is a space for dialogue and sharing, aiming to pass on a culture of development and town planning.

As part of SIRR, L’Agence uses all those approaches to help the CCPL in the animation of the hub and building territorial projects.