The concept for Centria UAS BSR Think tank

Currently Centria University of Applied Sciences is participating in three different Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects in different fields. The projects are in different phases and the staff has already had time to get experiences but also to face challenges in planning and implementing the project. This is why we wanted to discuss the experiences and learn from each other. The idea for the multidisciplinary meeting was also to see if there are common goals or events we could participate or organize together.

In short the Think tank day was organized like this:

• Morning: Internal development
• Lunch together
• Afternoon: Strategic discussion with program representatives from different Finnish regional agencies

The morning started with introductions and 5-minute project pitches. Then, each project had been asked to think about a challenge they faced and formulate it into questions for otheres to discuss. This was a very fruitful part as we could share the ways some had already coped with the issue and suggest solutions together. It was interesting to see how similar the project lifeline and the implementing issues can be, event though the substance of each project is totally unique.

Examples of the topics that came up: 

• Continuity and implementation
• Working methods and the coordinator’s tasks
• Engaging partners in the project’s common tasks
• The use of digital platforms and possibility to share and use them across multiple projects
• Learning outcomes from the projects (e.g., about coordination, other cultures, and the starting points and goals of different regions)

In the afternoon the project staff got insights from the program representatives on the change of the program periods and the new BSR strategy being formed. It was also a chance to get information both ways, about the application rounds and platforms as well as the grassroot experiences on e.g. coordination, implementation and reporting.

Thoughts on continuing the Think tank method in the future:
It proved to be a functional concept that could be implemented with a larger group at the organisation to share knowledge and experiences multidisciplinarily. It was interesting to gather together, learn from each other and a chance to refresh ideas.

In the future, we aim to utilize funders’ information or other events and integrate the Think Tank with them. The event could also continue based on funders or themes, e.g., implementation, impact, post-project, and even create a joint plan for the future (using other projects as communication channels).

Centria UAS is planning to organize another internal Think tank again for BSR or Interreg projects again in the future. We recommend the concept also to other organisations running multiple projects. Perhaps in the future this could be beneficial also between organisations to increase interaction and cooperation?!

Programme Manual Online

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