At ACEEU, we believe that when universities and industries come together, innovation moves from ideas to actualization, ensuring the creation, development, and establishment of engaged and entrepreneurial ecosystems that stimulate collaboration among quadruple helix actors: HEIs, industry actors, policymakers, and civil society. ACEEU supports HEIs to unleash their potential as entrepreneurial and engaged and we do that by breaking the barriers between industries, sectors, educational levels, and stakeholders.
As an active partner of the WATERLINE project, ACEEU was pleased to attend the second WATERLINE Academic-to-Business Webinar, together with 37 other participants, including researchers and industry professionals in the water sector. The webinar showcased key research findings from the WATERLINE project, specifically on the skills needed for a changing water industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities of digital transition in the water sector.
The first presentation by Dr. Aleksander Djordjevic from the University of Nis, revealed the biggest skill needs in competencies such as research skills, goal planning, working in an international context, innovation, open-mindedness, self-motivation, data processing, analytical skills, entrepreneurship, as well as knowledge of climate change, environmental pricing, and hydrological hazards.
Following, Dr. Lydia Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia from the University of Exeter shed light on the key challenges of the digital transition, including the fragmented nature of the water sector and the unexplored role of artificial intelligence.
These challenges call for coordinated efforts among quadruple helix stakeholders in the field of water to bridge skill gaps and work together in supporting a more integrated and digitally advanced water sector.
The webinar concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sumeyra Duman from Dokuz Eylül University. The panelists: Prof. Albert Chen (University of Exeter) and Prof. Ali Gül (Dokuz Eylül University) shared practical insights on tackling these challenges, and examples of how universities and industry actors are working together to address the problems.
As the WATERLINE project progresses, continued engagement among stakeholders will be crucial in developing more skilled, integrated and resilient water sector.
