Introducing the esteemed partners collaborating to make a difference through the re:gen-u project, a project made possible by support from the European Commission. From venerable institutions like Trinity College Dublin, and newer universities like Münster University of Applied Sciences, to research facilities like BETA Technological Centre, each partner brings with them their unique expertise and perspectives to contribute to the holistic approach of the project. With a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development, these collaborators aim to shape a regenerative economy for a brighter and more sustainable future.
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (UNIVE) is a renowned Italian institution known for its excellence across various disciplines and is the leader of the re:gen-u consortium. With over 22,000 students and 1,400 staff members, UNIVE fosters collaboration, research, and innovative programs across eight departments, three schools, and an International College. The university ranks favourably in global university rankings, particularly in arts and humanities, history, modern languages, economics, econometrics, and linguistics. UNIVE actively participates in research networks and promotes knowledge exchange, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Sustainability is a key focus for UNIVE, evident through its membership in the Network of Universities for Sustainable Development (RUS) and its involvement in the re:gen-u project. Additionally, UNIVE houses the Yunus Social Business Centre, which spreads social business principles and theories. Within the re:gen-u project, UNIVE leads the consortium, effectively managing resources and supporting the transition to regenerative practices.
BETA Technological Center at the Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC):
The BETA Technological Centre is a research facility dedicated to environmental technologies based in Barcelona. Its mission is to contribute to technological development, enhance competitiveness, and improve the quality of life in rural communities. BETA conducts research, development, and innovation projects while transferring knowledge to the public and private sectors. With a focus on environmental issues related to gaseous effluents, wastewater, and organic solid waste, particularly in the agri-food sector, BETA aims to be a national and international reference in solving these challenges. In the re:gen-u project, BETA leads quality assurance and evaluation activities while supporting various tasks across all work packages.
Münster University of Applied Sciences
Founded in 1971, Münster University of Applied Sciences is a respected institution in Europe known for producing high-calibre graduates. The university offers a multidisciplinary education that prepares students for a rapidly changing world, with a specific focus on digital innovations and practical learning. It is recognised as one of the top five universities for university-industry knowledge exchange and an entrepreneurial university. The university’s commitment to sustainable development is evident through initiatives like the re:gen-u project and the hiring of a Sustainability Management professor. The research centre at Münster University contributes expertise in university-business cooperation and supports various work packages related to sustainability and innovation challenges.
Institut Mines-Télécom Business School (IMTBS)
IMTBS is a business school within an engineering school that holds the prestigious “Grande école” label and is a public school. The re:gen-u project is of great importance to IMTBS due to France’s long-standing culture of social and solidarity economy, which structures a growing proportion of French SMEs. To consolidate and disseminate emerging knowledge of the regenerative economy, IMTBS is responsible for the policy action plan, program modelling based on the research phase, and the future sustainability of the program.
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, is Ireland’s leading university, renowned for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. Situated in Dublin’s city centre on a historic campus, Trinity houses three faculties and attracts a diverse community of over 18,000 students and 3,500 staff members. With a strong network of over 140,000 alumni, including Nobel laureates, Trinity has a rich tradition of producing exceptional minds across various fields. As a collaborator on the re:gen-u project, Trinity aims to shape future leaders and contribute to the transformation of a regenerative economy, deploying innovative frameworks and toolkits to prepare individuals for sustainable practices. Research and scholarship are central to Trinity’s mission, with substantial funding and multidisciplinary research themes that encourage collaboration and world-leading breakthroughs. Trinity promotes entrepreneurship and industry engagement through initiatives like Trinity Innovation and Tangent.
University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN):
UIIN is an organization committed to enhancing employability and driving innovation through university-industry engagement. As a leader in the development of engaged and entrepreneurial universities in Europe, UIIN is well-positioned to contribute to the mission and vision of the re:gen-u. UIIN leads the ReGenerate Impact Training and Mentoring Programme work package, focusing on capacity building and training for more engaged universities. UIIN is also responsible for the dissemination activities of the project, ensuring that the project’s outcomes and knowledge reach a wider audience.
School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana (SEB LU):
By collaborating with partners and engaging in projects like re:gen-u, SEB LU aims to contribute to sustainable economic and business concepts, rethinking existing systems, and promoting a regenerated planet and society. SEB LU prioritizes sustainability alongside core values such as creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. The institution is committed to implementing sustainable practices, employing new technologies and initiatives to raise awareness and actively pursue sustainable development. SEB LU has participated in the Eco-School program and received the Green Flag recognition for its responsible and sustainable practices. The university is also involved in projects like Urban Bees and has signed the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action.
National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED)
As the only civil sector representative and the only project beneficiary from a non-EU country, NALED brings a valuable perspective to the comparative research on the regenerative economy within the re:gen-u project. NALED is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan association of businesses, local governments, and civil society organizations in Serbia. The association works together to improve the conditions for doing business and enhance the quality of life for citizens. By facilitating the public policy process in Serbia, NALED aims to achieve comprehensive and inclusive development for all citizens and shares its experiences abroad. NALED’s main contributions to the project are in Work Package 4 – ReGenerate Innovation Challenge and Work Package 8 – Exploitation and Sustainability.
The re:gen-u project, driven by collaboration among academia, industry, government, and civil society, represents a significant step towards a regenerative economy. The partners involved will actively work towards fostering sustainability, driving innovation, and preparing individuals and institutions for a future based on regenerative practices.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress and outcomes of the REGENU project!
Author: Mila Lukic, NALED