On 26-29 November “Enhancing Capacity of Universities to Initiate And to Participate in Cluster Development On Innovation And Sustainability Principles” (UniClaD) partners meeting took place in Ukraine. The UniClaD project (number 609944-EPP-1-2019-1-LT-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP) is initiated by the Erasmus+ programme KA2 action measurements, Project Coordinator Irma Servaitė and the Dean of the Faculty of Technologies Dr. Giedrius Gecevičius participated in this partner meeting.

During the whole of the meeting, I. Servaitė and Dr. G. Gecevičius along with partners from Austria, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova and Azerbaijan visited livestock and aquaculture farms, introduced capabilities of clusters and expert centres, went over the progress of the project also the reach of it and difficulties met along the way.

During the first day of visiting farms, the partners of the project were introduced to potential cluster participants and technologies used for farming. On other days of the event, meetings were arranged, introductions of partners and seminars took place, one of the seminars was hosted by Dr. G. Gecevičius. During the seminar the Dean of Faculty of Technologies shared his knowledge about creating clusters and expert centres in Lithuania, the initiation of theoretical and practical tasks, concluding the pros and cons also potential threats. Project partners from Austria and Hungary announced different examples of clusters: including green pedagogy, kindergartens in natural environments, different solutions in the sectors of food supply and manufacturing chains. On the last day of the project meeting Project Coordinator I. Servaitė introduced the attendees to the results they have accomplished, the struggles they faced also she discussed future activities that will be initiated soon with the help of organizing cognitive visits. Project partners from different regions shared their collective knowledge in regards to accomplishing set tasks.

“While forming clusters a lot of attention is dedicated to set sustainable development goals. We must ensure economic benefits and higher efficiency rates but also we must reduce the impact on surroundings and the development of healthier products dedicated to the public,” mentioned Dr. G. Gecevičius after the UniClaD partners meeting. At the same time I. Servaitė was happy about the success of projects conducted and the meeting itself. The coordinator added that issues still arise with the fulfilment of set goals this has relations to the COVID-19 pandemic that is slowing down progress.

We would like to remind that the aim of the project UniClaD is to enhance the potential of higher education institutions in regards to innovation and sustainable development principles for creating and successfully expanding agriculture clusters. UniClaD is the first project of its type that is being fulfilled by Kaunas University of Applied Sciences uniting more than 20 partners from Europe and Asia on common goals. The value of the project is estimated to be around one million euros.