Alma Mater Europaea University and the Regional Development Agency Podravje – Maribor have today signed a cooperation agreement, establishing a solid framework for long-term partnership in promoting sustainable regional development, strengthening innovation potential, and connecting the research sector with the economy.
The purpose of the collaboration is to improve educational and research capacities and to encourage the transfer of innovations and research into practice in the Podravje region.
“We will collaborate in the preparation and submission of national and European projects in the fields of health, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence, with special attention also given to the development of entrepreneurship in the region,” explained Rector of Alma Mater Europaea University, Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak.
Among the important goals of the agreement is also the organization of joint conferences, fairs, and events aimed at promoting innovation and connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
The agreement also foresees concrete steps to establish mechanisms for the effective transfer of research achievements into the real environment.
These include:
- Establishment of incubators and accelerators dedicated to start-up companies in the fields of health, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence, providing mentorship, infrastructure, and funding;
- Strengthening cooperation with industry, aiming to adapt research to market needs and develop innovative solutions in partnership with local companies;
- Organization of workshops and training programs focused on knowledge commercialization, intellectual property management, and enhancing entrepreneurial competencies.
An important segment of cooperation also concerns the field of artificial intelligence, where the institutions will jointly carry out applied research projects addressing specific needs of the regional economy and public sector. In addition to joint research, they will also organize activities to raise digital competencies, awareness of the benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence, and preparation of joint applications for national and international calls.
Within the framework of a long-term vision, RRA Maribor – Podravje and Alma Mater Europaea University also strive to establish a Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in the Podravje region, which will serve as a hub for research, development, and practice in this rapidly developing field.
