On 4 February, at Sumy State University, within the framework of the EU_STRENGHTS project*, a round table “Innovation as a Driver of Growth: Opportunities and Prospects for EU–Ukraine Cooperation” took place – an event that became a vibrant space of interaction between the university, business, public authorities and civil society.
More than 120 participants joined the event – and this was not just an audience, but a true community of people who care about entrepreneurship, innovation and Ukraine’s European integration. The event was moderated by the project leader and Associate Professor of the Department of Economics, Entrepreneurship and Business Administration, Inna Koblianska. Over several hours, participants did more than listen to presentations – they connected with each other, asked questions, explored shared ideas and looked for common ground. This is exactly how networks are built – through trust, openness and a shared interest in development.
The combination of different perspectives proved especially valuable – academic, policy, entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem. Discussions covered startups, craft innovations, university opportunities, support for entrepreneurship and the commercialisation of research – all in the context of cooperation with the EU and regional development.
We sincerely thank all speakers who made the event meaningful and inspiring: Andrii Piven, Leonid Troian, Kateryna Bozhenko, Hanna Kovalevska, Bohdan Shapoval, Pavlo Nyzhnyk, Uliana Kyryliv, Iryna Bystrova, Marharyta Chernyshova, Bohdan Mosunov – as well as all participants for creating an atmosphere of open dialogue and lively professional interaction.
Events like this once again show – development happens where people come together. Innovation starts with ideas – but it grows through networks, partnerships and joint action.
*Jean Monnet Chair «Strengthening EU Leadership and Capacity in Science and Innovation» (101175767—EU_STRENGHTS—ERASMUS-JMO-2024-HEI-TCH-RSCH) 2024-2027. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
