SLEEK Project Strengthens Entrepreneurial Education Through International Training in Graz, Austria

Following the launch of SLEEK (Sierra Leone Education in Entrepreneurial Pedagogy and Skills) last May at the University of Alicante (UA) campus, the Austrian university FH Joanneum (FHJ) hosted the first Training of Trainers (ToT1) of the project. From 22 to 26 September, alongside this training activity, the corresponding coordination meeting and a study visit also took place, providing participants with an opportunity to explore the regional innovation ecosystem in Graz.

The opening day began with an institutional welcome by Doris Kiendl, Director of the Institute of International Management and Entrepreneurship at FH Joanneum. Cristina Beans (UA, the coordinating institution of the project) and Clarissa Maierhofer (FHJ) then presented the agenda and objectives of the meeting, which focused on the development of innovative methodologies for entrepreneurship education.

The study visit offered participants the opportunity to analyse several initiatives that form part of the innovation ecosystem in Styria (Austria). At Science Park Graz, participants explored the technological incubation model and its collaboration with the academic environment. They also visited Zotter Schokoladenfabrik as an example of an innovative entrepreneurial experience; Vulkanland Regional Development to learn about regional development and entrepreneurial culture in Austria; and finally the Weltmaschine installation, a symbol of creative innovation. During the visit, they were also introduced to initiatives such as the Formula Student Racing Team and the Food Processing Lab, which illustrate the successful connection between hands-on training and the business environment. 

 On the final day of the programme, Clarissa Maierhofer (FHJ) presented the Entrepreneurship Academies model developed within the project. She explained how these academies could be integrated into university business support services and within the incubation ecosystems already present in each institution. The consortium also discussed the challenges of entrepreneurship education in Sierra Leone and worked together on the development of a shared tool to strengthen its teaching.

Following this first in-person training, the consortium has taken an important step forward in consolidating its methodology and strengthening cooperation between European and Sierra Leonean partners, laying the foundations for the next training phases of the project.

The next destination for the upcoming Training of Trainers in October: Alicante!