30 October 2023 – The first packaging made from invasive non-native plant species has been developed under the LEAP project, supported by the Norway Grants. These are the first concrete results of the project, whose main objective is to develop and demonstrate solutions for the design of protective packaging made of lignocellulosic plant fibres (from invasive non-native plant species), which will also provide an alternative to EPS (Styrofoam) packaging for heavier and more transport-intensive products.
Learning and Demonstration Alliance for Designing and Manufacturing Sustainable Industrial Packaging from Alternative Lignocellulosic Biomass (LEAP) project implemented under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation programme, develops next generation advanced and functional packaging that incorporates waste biomass building blocks from invasive non-native plant species and enables the production of new high-performance packaging solutions. In fact, no sustainable alternative to EPS (expanded polystyrene) packaging has yet been developed for industrial packaging of large products. In this respect, the project focuses on a sustainable transition towards a circular economy based on biodegradability, reducing the consumption of virgin material resources, while addressing the issue of recycling of non-native plant waste.
The project will have the effect of creating a new value chain that operates on the principle of a closed-loop circular economy and enables the eco-design of industrial packaging. The environmental impacts are the most important, as studies have shown that replacing plastic with alternative cellulose packaging can lead to a reduction in life cycle CO2 emissions, taking into account the extraction and production of raw materials and their recycling.
The development of such packaging follows five basic steps:
1. Collection and pre-treatment of invasive non-native plants for downstream production processes: the key issue in the first step is to ensure sufficient plant biomass, so the activities of Surovina in the past months have included removing/collecting invasive plants and carrying out pre-treatment of the collected plants for downstream analysis and packaging production. Proper pre-preparation of plants for the production of protective packaging includes: removal of roots, leaves and flowers from the stems of the plants and drying and grinding or cutting of the stems.
2. Design of the paper-based protective packaging model
The project is developing an open source tool to support an integrated approach to the design of packaging made from alternative lignocellulosic fibres.
5. Testing the packaging for mechanical stress, biodegradability, recyclability and compostability
In the second half of the project, the focus is more on the production of real protective packaging that can replace EPS styrofoam in the protection of household appliances. The project is also setting up an e-info point and a demonstration centre, where it will be possible to access different content on invasive plants and the production of packaging from lignocellulosic biomass.
You are invited to follow the project on social media and on the project website.
The LEAP project involves the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Ljubljana as the project promoter and project partners Pulp and Paper Institute, Gorenje Ltd, Surovina and SINTEF AS from Norway.
27 October 2023 – On Wednesday, 25 October 2023, the Association of Historic Towns of Slovenia, in collaboration with partners from the Heritage School for the New Generations project, funded by the Norway Grants, organized a full-day workshop at the learning laboratory in Škofja Loka. The workshop aimed to promote the integration of cultural heritage into primary school subjects.
The event featured lectures and practical demonstrations by representatives from the National Education Institute Slovenia, Faculty of Education of the University of Ljubljana, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Center for Vocational Education, and the Ivan Grohar Elementary School. School principals, teachers, and guidance counselors from fourteen primary schools across Slovenia attended the workshop.
In addition to valuable insights and examples of incorporating cultural heritage into primary education, participants had the opportunity to experience and explore the restoration story of Rotovž, the old town hall in Škofja Loka, where the workshop took place. The workshop primarily focused on architectural heritage, professions, and skills related to preserving our heritage.
One surprising revelation for participants was the existence of 25 professional qualifications that can be certified through the National Vocational Qualifications system, such as dry stone waller, which can be promoted in primary schools to guide students towards future careers. Furthermore, during a practical workshop for students about natural materials, their properties, and applications, air itself proved to be the most surprising insulator.
The most important conclusion of the workshop was the necessity of providing students with experiential exposure to cultural heritage through all their senses and educating them to the point where they can recognize and appreciate all forms of our cultural heritage.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the emerging educational practices of the Heritage School for the New Generationsproject, which includes training, lesson preparations, textbooks, and teaching aids. This project equips educators with the knowledge and tools for effectively and professionally integrating cultural heritage into primary school subjects.
Dr. Irena Hergan, Faculty of Education at the University of Ljubljana, noted, “Children perceive and interpret their environment in more detail and in a more personal way than adults, so it’s essential to provide them with the opportunity to express themselves.”
Dr. Jasna Fakin Bajec, head of the Research Station Nova Gorica at the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, emphasized, “Heritage theory is built on emotions, so it’s crucial for children to engage in creative activities.”
Nataša Ülen from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, part of the Heritage School for the New Generations project, added, “Through students, we aim to reach parents and contribute to a vision of cultural landscape with respect for our living heritage, without rose-colored or fluorescent green shades.”
The Heritage School for the New Generations project involves the Association of Historic Towns of Slovenia as the project promoter, and project partners the University of Primorska, nstitute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, Elementary School Ivan Grohar, Škofja Loka Municipality, Škofja Loka School Center, and MAGMA Geopark AS from Norway. You are cordially invited to follow the project’s achievements on the Heritage School for the New Generations project website.
20 October 2023 – Bilateral relations, a term often heard in the corridors of diplomacy and international politics, may sound distant and abstract to most. However, when we unravel the intricate fabric of these relations, we discover the impact they have on our everyday lives. This is how the EEA and Norway Grants help transcend borders and tackle shared challenges across Europe – one partnership at a time.
What are bilateral relations?
Bilateral relations are essentially the interactions between two countries or organisations. These relations encompass diplomacy, trade, culture, education, and numerous other fields. They are the channels through which countries communicate, cooperate, and sometimes, even disagree. In the context of the EEA and Norway Grants, these relations signify the collaboration between Beneficiary and Donor States to foster mutual growth, strengthen democracy, and reduce social and economic disparities.
Bilateral relations are not limited to formal agreements and government initiatives. They extend to the human connections forged during these collaborations. It’s about a Norwegian teacher sharing her knowledge with students in a Romanian school, or a Portuguese entrepreneur partnering with a business in Iceland to create green economic opportunities. It’s the people-to-people connections that breathe life into these projects.
How do you find the thread that ties people‘s everyday lives together? It’s easy to lose sight of the human element in international cooperation, but the EEA and Norway Grants serve as a powerful reminder that these bilateral projects are fundamentally about people. They are about bridging the gaps between cultures, nurturing innovative ideas, and enabling individuals to reach their full potential.
In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the importance of these relations requires us to look beyond the numbers and delve into the heart of the matter—the stories of ordinary people who have had their lives transformed by these initiatives. This is the core of the #OurStories campaign, bringing the everyday impact of the EEA and Norway Grants closer to you.
The EEA and Norway Grants are funding more than 6,000 projects through 97 programmes. Forty per cent of the projects in the Benficiary states of the EEA and Norway Grants have had a partnership from one of the Donor states. 419 projects have a partner from Iceland, 29 have a partner from Liechtenstein, and 2,066 have a partner from Norway. Those have created thousands of connections based on working together for a common goal.
Some projects are globally just too big to tackle alone. Safeguarding our biosphere and protecting the Earth’s natural resources while taking good care of local heritage is an undertaking best dealt with in collaborative force. With support from the EEA and Norway Grants experts from the University of Bergen have been able to work with experts from Quaternaire Portugal, the Pedro Nunes Institute, Universidade Nova de Lisboa to assist local communities in managing their delicate UNESCO Biosphere projects. These partnerships have since continued to grow across Europe.
»The cooperation across borders that this project offered was simply the opportunity we needed to learn and exchange best practices from other Biosphere Reserves. We are now partner in another project mapping possible new Biosphere Reserves all over the Nordic countries.« Kari Evensen Natland, Coordinator, Nordhordaland UNESCO Biosphere
WOMEN4IT is another one of these projects based on valuable bilateral connections that were born to empower young women across Europe to enter the digital economy. Experts from European Centre for Women from Norway and DIGITALEUROPE contributed to implementing the project in Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Spain. The project concluded in 2023 with more than 900 women trained, seventy per cent of the women trained by WOMEN4IT gained full employment in STEM-related fields within 3 months of concluding the training.
»We have a collective responsibility to make the tech sector more inclusive, and all actors have a role to play. But first and foremost – you can’t be what you can’t see. With more female role models out there, we can inspire a new generation of young women to become creators of technology.« DIGITALEUROPE Director General Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl
»The EEA and Norway grants provide us with a huge pool of partnerships in many different sectors. They range from technological partners, cities, schools and also research institutes and universities. This is extreamly important to us because we can exchange ideas, but also exchange the best way forward, which are he best technologies to use and benefit from.«João Dinis, Cascais municipality
The way forward
While the EEA and Norway Grants play an important role in fostering bilateral relations, it’s important to remember that their success hinges on the dedication, innovation, and hard work of people on the ground. The grants provide the resources and the premise for cooperation, but it’s the commitment and vision of individuals and communities that transform projects into successes.
In the end, bilateral relations are a reminder of the inspiring and down-to-earth truth that people working together can achieve so much more. Through #OurStories of collaboration and transformation, the EEA and Norway Grants exemplify the power of unity in diversity, showcasing how the simple thread of shared aspirations can weave a tapestry of positive change that transcends borders and nationalities.
So, the next time you hear about bilateral relations in relation to the EEA and Norway Grants, remember that they’re not just diplomatic endeavours or economic agreements. They are stories of resilience, innovation, and humanity that celebrate the beautiful tapestry of our shared European community.
Learn more about these partnerships. Explore more of #OurStories for information and inspiring projects made possible by the EEA and Norway Grants.
This article is part of the #OurStories campaign. The campaign looks at the vast variety of inspirational stories of projects and connections made possible through the EEA and Norway Grants. We will be sharing these stories on this website through articles and videos published on social media and Youtube. More importantly, #OurStories is a platform for the thousands of project participants who have in one way or the other been involved in projects made possible by the EEA and Norway Grants.
Follow EEA and Norway Grants on social media(@EEANorwayGrants) to stay up-to-date on #OurStories and find more stories here.
13 October 2023 – Project partners and entrepreneurship educators in the PoMP project – Fostering Entrepreneurship Skills in Schools, aimed at a green and sustainable Europe, visited their Norwegian partner, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, in September. They partnered with NTNU precisely due to their longstanding practice of training teachers in entrepreneurial competencies.”
The purpose of the study visit to Trondheim and NTNU University was to learn about good practices. The team of project partners and educators embarked on this journey with open minds and expectations, and returned enriched with insights that will undoubtedly contribute to the enhancement of entrepreneurial education in Slovenia.
One of the key highlights of the study visit was the presentation of a teacher training program in entrepreneurial competencies, which is conducted for numerous educators in the Trøndelag region. In this region, which is approximately a quarter the size of Slovenia, this program is implemented for a significantly larger number of teachers than in Slovenija. Additionally, the spotlight was on the Johan Bojer STEM High School, which impressed with sustainable construction and a practical technical educational program carried out in collaboration with local companies, specialists in robot and drone manufacturing. An interesting fact is that Johan Bojer is the only school in Norway, and likely beyond, where one can obtain education to become a pilot of maritime or aerial unmanned vehicles.
The presentation of kindergarten teachers was also intriguing, where they instruct young children in sustainable shopping and the principles of a circular economy. This was followed by an introduction to the world’s most widespread and oldest entrepreneurship program, Junior Achievement, which serves as the ‘official’ program for fostering entrepreneurship in schools in the Trøndelag region. During these presentations, project partners and educators familiarized themselves with various classroom working methods.
During the visit, Slovenian teacher and project partners also showcased their own best practices, although these will be elaborated further for the Norwegian counterparts when they visit Slovenia in March. As a result, the Norwegian partners gained insights into programs like ScienceJam and POPRI, as well as the innovative methods of our educators and project partners working with young people and fellow educators.
The study visit to Norway undoubtedly confirmed that Slovenia excels in the field of entrepreneurship, while also highlighting opportunities for further improvement, especially in terms of collaboration with the local community. Project partners will continue to ardently pursue the goal of enhancing educational practices and promoting entrepreneurship within our educational system.
In the PoMP project, which is supported by the Norway Grants, includes Scientific Research Centre Bistra Ptuj as the project promoter and project partners Primorska Technology Park, Development Centre Novo mesto, SAŠA incubator and Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
12 October 2023 – The ReNature project is actively conducting restoration work on grasslands and wetland ecosystems. The restoration of eight ponds and the Velban spring within the influence area of the Škocjan Caves Park is currently in progress. To re-establish the grasslands, overgrowth is being removed, and grazing of Istrian sheep, a Slovenian native breed, is being reintroduced.
One of the project’s key activities is the restoration of eight ponds and the Velban spring, which is a distinctive feature of the Brkini region. In June, work began in Suhorje and Narin with the assistance of an external contractor. Initially, overgrowth was removed, and water basins were deepened. During the restoration of two ponds in Pregarje, existing ponds were cleared of silt, vegetation, and debris. They were then deepened and the water-impermeable layer was reinforced with clay.
Work on the ponds in Suhorje, Pregarje, and Narin is nearing completion, and additional restoration efforts will be carried out in Tatreh, Buje, Gornja Košana, Barka, and Škocjan. After restoration, these areas will provide a suitable habitat for amphibians, dragonflies, and other aquatic and riparian organisms.
To enhance grassland ecosystems, the University of Ljubljana’s Veterinary Faculty, in collaboration with the Agrarian Community of Gabrče, completed the establishment of a grassland spanning 39 hectares on Vremščica in March. Areas cleared of vegetation by an external contractor were dedicated to grazing by Istrian sheep, a Slovenian native breed, in June, preventing overgrowth. By August, the pasture had already developed a botanically rich grassy cover.
Under the guidance of the Municipality of Pivka, part of the meadow near Ravne Castle was restored by clearing the vegetation, while in Narin, woody vegetation will be removed from 5.5 hectares.
About the ReNature Project
The ReNature project – Restoration of the Network of Wetlands and Grasslands Important for Natura 2000 and Other Protected Species and Habitat Types in the Karst Biosphere Reserve and the Reka River Basin and the Seasonal Lakes of Pivka Nature Park – has been underway since May 2022. One of the project’s main objectives is to expand the restored wetlands and grassland areas, whose functionality has been diminished due to climate change. The restoration of these ecosystems aims to preserve and enhance the critical functions they provide for various plant and animal species, as well as for human activities.
The ReNature project, supported by EEA Grants, involves the Škocjan Caves Public Service Agency as the project promoter, along with project partners including the Municipality of Pivka, the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Information Technologies at the University of Primorska, the Veterinary faculty at the University of Ljubljana, and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.
11 October 2023 – The Academy for Combined Learning, aimed at creating a digital learning environment in Slovenia, is running at full steam. By bringing together different levels of professional education and business, supported by international cooperation, this project is making a significant contribution to the digitalisation of education. Furthermore, it promotes the development of innovative practices and strengthens competencies in the education sector.
The development of the “Combined Learning Model for Vocational Education in the Field of Mechanical Engineering and Development of Competencies of Students and Teachers for Digital Education” runs from 1 June 2022 to 30 April 2024.
Within the framework of the project Academy for Combined Learning, training sessions for multipliers have already taken place. These sessions are intended to promote the dissemination and use of interactive learning materials in the blended learning model for the mechanical engineering programme. Twenty teachers participated in the event and expressed their satisfaction with the presented materials. Project partners also received valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement. This has contributed to the willingness of most participants to continue their involvement.
More than 60 representatives from different companies participated in focus groups asking employers what skills they expect from their students and, of course, their employees. All the information is welcome for the development of the blended learning model and the development of the learning materials.
A study visit to Oslo was also carried out, where useful information and guidance was obtained from the partners for the development of a quality learning model for digital teaching and learning.
In October and November 2023, the materials developed so far are being presented in various school centers across Slovenia, specifically those where the mechanical engineering programme is offered. Teachers from all over Slovenia are invited to attend these presentations, and the materials will be further improved based on their feedback. After the project is completed, the materials will be freely accessible.
Closing the “digital divide”
An important focus of the project is on closing the “digital divide” in education. Although digital transformation is often considered a solution to modern educational challenges, its effectiveness needs to be assessed in comparison to traditional teaching methods.
Teachers face challenges such as a lack of digital competencies, inadequate teaching models, and rapidly changing environments. The project addresses these challenges by connecting teachers with various stakeholders and by developing new, adaptable teaching models.
The project focuses on six main activities:
Development of interactive learning content and a digital learning environment.
Connecting teachers with stakeholders within and outside the educational system.
Knowledge and best practices exchange in the field of education.
Establishment of a network of institutional partners.
Training teachers to acquire digital competencies.
The Academy for Combined Learning project, implemented under the programme Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship and Youth Entrepreneurship, is supported by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. It involves the Rokus Klett Publishing House as the project promoter and project partners Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia – Institute for Business Education, Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training, School Centre Novo mesto, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Ljubljana and G yldendal Norsk Forlag AS from Norway. For more information about the project, please also visit the project website: https://www.academycole.si/.
10 October 2023 – In the whimsical realm of Lewis Carroll’s creation, the Cheshire Cat proclaimed, ‘we’re all mad here.’ Slovenia’s Museum of Madness stands as a testament to this, challenging societal norms and offering a fresh perspective on mental health.
Nestled on the scenic northeast border of Slovenia, near the Austrian border, stands the medieval Castle Cmurek. But this isn’t just any castle. It’s a beacon of change, a symbol of progress, and a testament to the power of community. The Castle now reborn as the Museum of Madness and backed by the EEA and Norway Grants, stands as a distinctive institution highlighting Slovenia’s journey and challenges in mental health.
Much like Alice, visitors to Slovenia’s Museum of Madness might feel a similar sentiment. Embracing the museum’s slogan -‘Everybody is a little mad here’ – it’s a place where the lines between reality and perception blur, challenging our understanding of mental health.
From 1949 to 2004, Castle Cmurek housed the State Asylum for the Mentally Ill. But today, it serves a different purpose. Run by passionate locals and backed by experts, the Museum of Madness aims to challenge societal perceptions of mental illness, break down taboos, and promote social inclusion. It’s not just about preserving a historical monument; it’s about revitalising it with purpose and meaning.
The Museum’s mission is clear: to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept of madness, updated for today’s world, free from taboos and detached from the shadows of institutionalisation. Collaborating with organisations both in Slovenia and internationally, the Museum is a hub for education, cultural heritage, and social awareness.
Founded by a passionate group of individuals, the museum has evolved from an empty medieval castle to a bustling hub of activity and education. For seven years, the team worked voluntarily, pouring their heart and soul into transforming the space, bringing life back to the monument and, more importantly, sparking societal change.
But the journey hasn’t been easy. As one of the founders recalls from a video on Facebook, “We started working here in 2013. It was an empty medieval castle. Young people were leaving, and only the elderly remained. We decided to build the Museum of Madness, related to the building’s recent history as an asylum.”
The Museum of Madness, in its mission to shed light on mental health and challenge societal taboos, has been supported by the Active Citizens Fund. Through the ‘From Institutions to People’ initiative, the Active Citizens Fund has helped the museum develop educational tools that underscore the importance of Article 19 of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This article emphasises the right of individuals to live independently within the community. Building on this, the ‘From Institutions to People 2’ phase seeks to broaden its impact, targeting students, educators, and professionals. The overarching aim is to cultivate a deeper understanding of long-term care institutions and to raise awareness about the rights of individuals, ensuring they are not confined behind institutional walls.
The Active Citizens Fund overarching goals are to bolster civil society, promote active citizenship, and empower vulnerable groups. By backing initiatives like the Museum of Madness, the Active Citizens Fund emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change in communities across Europe. Read more about the Active Citizens Fund in Slovenia here.
The Museum not only educates about the past but also highlights the present challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of community integration, where services are tailored to individuals, not the other way around.
The Museum’s vision is grand: to become a holistic cultural, professional, social, and tourist centre. It aims to rejuvenate the cultural and natural heritage of Castle Cmurek’s surroundings, harness the potential of the local community, and integrate its efforts into the broader region, transcending national borders. All while upholding sustainable development and environmental care.
The history of Castle Cmurek dates back to the 12th century. It has seen rulers, wars, and changes. But its most significant transformation has been its recent one – from an institution of confinement to a place of enlightenment.
Are you inspired by the Museum of Madness’s story? Want to learn more about the EEA and Norway Grants or even apply for funding? Together, we can reshape narratives and build a more inclusive future. Read #OurStories here: https://eeagrants.org/ourstories
6 October 2023 – The autumn season brings fresh opportunities for learning, career development, and innovation in various sectors. Within projects supported by the EEA and Norway Grants, a diverse range of free educational programs and workshops are prepared to take place in the coming months. These unique opportunities are designed for various target groups and cover a variety of topics, such as XR technology, career development, sustainable mobility, and support for education professionals working with individuals with autism.
XR Academy – Free Training in XR Technologies
Within the Think XR project, they invite you to a free training program in the field of XR (Extended Reality) technologies. The aim of this education is to train students and interested individuals who will be capable of working independently in the development of augmented and virtual reality projects, 3D design, video games, digital twin design, the Metaverse, and the use of XR technologies. The program will cover the following learning modules:
Introduction to XR Technologies
3D Modeling and 3D Printing
Unity Development for Augmented and Virtual Reality Projects
User Experience (UX) and Design Thinking
Participants who successfully complete the course will have the opportunity to join the XR community network, which will provide training to high school students, college students, and interested individuals in the areas mentioned as part of the Think XR project. The education is free for participants, as it is funded by the Think XR project. The training, comprising approximately 40 hours, will be conducted in an intensive format, likely over several consecutive weekends, starting on October 12, 2023. Applications are being accepted until October 10, 2023.
More information about the XR Academy is available here.
XR Academy
The Think XR project is focused on developing a curriculum and new teaching modules in the field of augmented and virtual reality. This project, supported by the Norway Grants, involves the School Center Slovenske Konjice – Zreče as the project promoter and project partners including Technology Park Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering of University of Ljubljana, University of Primorska, HASHNET, Unior Forging Industry, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Career Compass Camp
In the Posavje region, an exceptional opportunity is on the horizon for young people who wish to explore their career potentials and prepare for a successful entry into the world of work and education. The Career Compass Camp, organized as part of the Career Center Posavje project, will take place from November 2nd to 5th. It presents an opportunity for young people aged 16 to 29 who want to explore their career potentials and develop key skills for a successful future. Through various workshops, lectures, and visits to different companies, young participants will gain insights into various career options, develop communication skills, and build self-confidence and independence.
The camp will be held from November 2nd to 5th at the ZMŠ Krško Youth Hostel. To participate in the camp, please fill out the application form.
The partners of the Career Center Posavje project are striving to improve access to education, mentoring, and career counselling. This project, supported by the Norway Grants, involves the Regional Development Agency Posavje as the project promoter and project partners including the Center for Youth and Sport Krško, Institute of Adult Education Krško, Regional Chamber of Craft and Small Business Krško, Krško Municipality, and Collective Innovation AS from Norway.”
SmartMOVE: Free Workshops on Sustainable Mobility for Companies
This autumn, SmartMOVE project is launching a series of free workshops where experts from different fields will present in an interesting and dynamic way key topics and opportunities for employers and employees to contribute to a more sustainable mobility, with great benefits for everyone, the community and the environment. The following workshops will be organized:”
11 October 2023: Introduction to Sustainable Mobility Implementation and Management in Businesses (Webinar)
25 October 2023: Parking Management and Optimized Car Use (Webinar)
8 November 2023: Business Mobility Management: Benefits for Employees, the Environment, and Business (Webinar)
22 November 2023: Health Aspects of Employee Mobility (Webinar)
18 January 2023: Best Practices and Experiences in Sustainable Mobility Management in Businesses and Institutions (In-Person Event)
By attending at least three of these educational sessions, you will receive a certificate of participation. You can register for your chosen sessions here. For more information, please visit www.smart-move.si or www.zds.si.
The SmartMOVE project addresses the challenge of sustainable mobility in high-traffic areas, specifically in the Ljubljana Urban Region (LUR) with the capital city of Ljubljana, which is the primary destination for daily migration flows in Slovenia. The SmartMOVE project, supported by the EEA Grants, involves the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region as the project promoter and project partners Jožef Stefan Institute, Institute for Spatial Policies, Urban Institute of Ljubljana, Association of Employers of Slovenia, GoOpti, Center of Energy Efficiency Solutions and the Norwegian Nordland Research Institut.
VIS A VIS: A Model of Support for Employees in Education and Teaching
As part of the VIS A VIS project, they have developed a model that aims to develop new teaching and learning practices for the work and life of individuals with autism. This is done through the exchange of best practices among Slovenian project partners in collaboration with their Norwegian partner. With the support model, they provide a framework for implementing this support into daily practice for all stakeholders and decision-makers. The training programs are designed for principals, professionals in preschool education, primary education, music education, secondary education, boarding schools, higher vocational education, and higher education.
VIS A VIS: A Model of Support for Employees in Education and Teaching
The VIS A VIS project aims to improve the conditions for learning and employability of individuals with autism at all levels of education and employment. The project, supported by the Norway Grants, involves Association of Non-Governmental Organizations for Autism in Slovenia as the project promoter and project partners Šentprima – institute for rehabilitation and education, Alma Mater Europaea – European center Maribor, Elementary School Kozara Nova Gorica, MIK international trading and manufacturing company, Ltd and Norwegian Fjæran-Granum’s Top Competence Service.
Heritage School for the New Generations: Workshop for Enhanced Inclusion of Cultural Heritage in Teaching Elementary School Subjects
As part of the Heritage School for the New Generations project, the second workshop for the inclusion of cultural heritage in elementary school teaching will take place on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in the learning laboratory in Škofja Loka. Principals, teachers, and guidance counsellors from elementary schools are invited to attend.
The workshop aims to present the skills of renewal, professional knowledge, craft professions, and manual skills as important competencies for employment opportunities in the 21st century. It will also introduce draft lesson plans and new approaches for enhanced inclusion of cultural heritage in the regular teaching process in elementary schools.
As part of the Heritage School for the New Generations project, they are developing and testing new teaching practices for various subjects in elementary schools using examples of cultural heritage and the application of renewal skills within the school environment. This project, supported by the Norway Grants, involves the Association of Historic Towns of Slovenia as the project promoter and project partners University of Primorska, Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, Elementary School Ivan Grohar, Municipality of Škofja Loka, MAGMA Geopark AS from Norway, and the School Center Škofja Loka.
2 October 2 2023 – As part of the Think XR project, an event was organized on Tuesday, September 26, at the Noordung Center in Vitanje, where they established the national XR and Web4.0 partnership for the development of digital competencies. On this occasion, the Noordung Center introduced the 3D avatar of Herman Potočnik Noordung, supported by artificial intelligence, which addressed the audience, moderated parts of the event, and also answered questions from the participants. On this occasion, he also expressed gratitude to Luka Slapnik and Žiga Gobec, young artificial intelligence experts from Slovenske Konjice, who developed him under the mentorship of Aleš Pevc from the Technology Park Ljubljana.
Neža Pavlič Brečko, the director of the Noordung Center, welcomed the participants and announced that the digital avatar of Herman Potočnik Noordung would now be hosted at the center and would answer questions from visitors regarding space technology development. In the introductory part, Jasmina Mihelak Zupančič, the director of the School Center Slovenske Konjice Zreče, Dr. Jože Guna from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, and Aleš Pevc from the Technology Park Ljubljana highlighted the activities of the Think XR project and presented the latest trends in the use of XR technologies in education and industry.
Anja Blaj, the President of Blockchain Think Tank Slovenia and a political advisor at Crypto Initiative Europe, presented the European Commission’s strategy in the field of Web4.0 and digital worlds. Following that, Tadej Slapnik from Hashnet introduced the main motivations for establishing the national partnership and the content of the memorandum that justifies its establishment. He emphasized that the primary goal of the partnership is to collaboratively shape a national XR strategy, through which partnership members will join forces to develop digital competencies in Slovenia. In the subsequent discussion, many participants expressed their support for the establishment of the partnership and shared their views and ideas for future activities.
The Think XR project, financially supported through the Norway Grants (Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship and Youth Entrepreneurship programme) since July 1, 2022, represents an exceptional opportunity to enhance digital competencies and education in the field of Virtual and Augmented Reality (XR) technologies. The project is led by the School Center Slovenske Konjice-Zreče, in collaboration with the Technology Park Ljubljana, the University of Ljubljana, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the University of Primorska, the Faculty of Management, Hashnet d.o.o. company, Unior Forging Industry, and Norwegian partners from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Together, they have combined their strengths and expertise to create a future built on XR technologies.
As part of the Think XR project, project partners have established a multidisciplinary team of experts to guide project activities. They conducted an analysis of the current state, needs, and trends in education and the economy. This analysis serves as a foundation for the development of new processes and program modules for education that will incorporate XR technologies. Within the Think XR project, demonstration centers for XR technologies have been established both in Slovenske Konjice and Ljubljana, equipped with state-of-the-art XR technology. Additionally, a 100-hour XR Academy program has been designed to enable teachers and mentors to acquire the necessary knowledge for teaching XR technologies. In the coming months, the project is preparing to implement the first pilot XR content for students, allowing them to gain new knowledge through modern XR technologies.
The Think XR project connects experts, educational institutions, mentors, companies, organizations, and leading experts in the field of Virtual and Augmented Reality (XR technologies) into an XR partnership for the development of digital competencies. The Think XR project is a step forward towards a digital future that will enrich our society and economy. Project partners express their gratitude to all partners and interested parties who enable the realization of this vision by signing the memorandum and joining the XR partnership.
29 September 2023 – This autumn, SmartMOVE project is launching a series of free workshops where experts from different fields will present in an interesting and dynamic way key topics and opportunities for employers and employees to contribute to a more sustainable mobility, with great benefits for everyone, the community and the environment.
The SmartMOVE: Smart Solutions for Sustainable Mobility project addresses the challenge of sustainable mobility in high-traffic locations, in this case the Ljubljana Urban Region (LUR) with its capital city Ljubljana as the most important destination for daily migration flows in Slovenia. A free educational series will be launched in autumn, bringing together experts from different fields to present key topics and opportunities for employers and employees to contribute to sustainable mobility with positive impacts for all, including the community and the environment. The trainings will also be supported by video illustrations of topics and examples specifically designed for this purpose.
11 October 2023: Introduction to Sustainable Mobility Implementation and Management in Businesses (Webinar)
25 October 2023: Parking Management and Optimized Car Use (Webinar)
8 November 2023: Business Mobility Management: Benefits for Employees, the Environment, and Business (Webinar)
22 November 2023: Health Aspects of Employee Mobility (Webinar)
18 January 2023: Best Practices and Experiences in Sustainable Mobility Management in Businesses and Institutions (In-Person Event)
All webinars take place from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM, while the in-person training is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. By attending at least three of these educational sessions, you will receive a certificate of participation. You can register for your chosen sessions here. For more information, please visit www.smart-move.si or www.zds.si.
Webinar: Introduction to Sustainable Mobility Implementation and Management in Businesses
Date: 11 October 2023, at 9:00 AM
Duration: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Companies and other institutions are important stakeholders in the planning and management of efficient urban transportation, as well as in promoting sustainable mobility. The introductory lecture will address tools that effectively and successfully address mobility within companies and institutions while also promoting cycling, the use of public transport, and more efficient car use, resulting in significant cost savings. The lecture will provide a detailed presentation of a mobility plan for institutions as a strategic document for assessing the current situation, establishing a vision, and outlining a set of sustainable mobility measures aimed at changing the commuting habits of employees.
Webinar: Parking Management and Optimized Car Use
Date: 25 October 2023, at 9:00 AM
Duration: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Due to the frequent shortage of parking spaces compared to the number of cars, managing parking or parking lots is one of the key measures for changing the commuting habits of employees. In addition to promoting sustainable personal car use, companies can address cost reduction in the maintenance of parking lots, facilities, and surroundings through parking management measures. The lecture will present various measures related to parking management, comprehensive approaches to optimized car use, and innovative solutions in the field of sustainable employee mobility.
Webinar: Business Mobility Management: Benefits for Employees, the Environment, and Business
Date: 8 November 2023, at 9:00 AM
Duration: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Sustainable mobility enables companies and employees to make more efficient use of working hours while reducing costs and environmental impact. By adopting sustainable mobility policies, companies can significantly reduce emissions, optimize traffic flows, and improve the lives of employees and city residents. The lecture will present various methods and challenges of managing business mobility, addressing the promotion of cultural changes within companies and the benefits for employees, the environment, business operations, and the transition of each company to carbon neutrality.
Webinar: Health Aspects of Employee Mobility
Date: 22 November 2023, at 9:00 AM
Duration: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
By promoting active commuting to work and raising awareness about the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle, we can significantly contribute to the overall health of employees. Active commuting to work (walking, cycling) reduces average annual sick leave and increases overall employee satisfaction. The lecture will present current findings on the impact of sustainable mobility on employee health and effective approaches to promoting health in companies and institutions.
In-person event: Best Practices and Experiences in Sustainable Mobility Management in Businesses and Institutions
Date: 18 January 2024, at 10:00 AM
Duration: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
During the training, numerous best practices, solutions, and experiences in addressing sustainable mobility in companies and institutions will be presented by representatives from these organizations. The training will be conducted in person, and further details will be published in the second half of October.
The SmartMOVE project, supported by the EEA Grants, involves the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region as the project promoter and project partners Jožef Stefan Institute, Institute for Spatial Policies, Urban Institute of Ljubljana, Association of Employers of Slovenia, GoOpti, Center of Energy Efficiency Solutions and the Norwegian Nordland Research Institut.
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