There are events people attend for the content and programme. Others are about strengthening professional contacts. And then there is the Open Space, which not only sits at the intersection of the two, but also radiates a deep sense of community spirit.
This edition was no different. Actually, it was.
Despite being its ninth edition, this Open Space was, in a way, an Open Space of firsts. To begin with, for the first time, it was exclusively reserved for EUF network staff members. For the first time, it took place at the Northernmost latitude ever reached by an Open Space, against a backdrop of stunning views and even more stunning hospitality and warmth from the Norwegian hosts, Western Norway University of Applied Science. For the first time, the moments between sessions never felt long enough. There were simply too many ideas and too many topics to discuss.
Participants networking during a coffee break at the Open Space in Bergen.
And perhaps most importantly, several members of the Project Manager and Advisor Community stepped into the role of session leaders, sharing their expertise and knowledge. Among them was Maria Ranta, Senior Advisor at the University of Agder, who brought in the evaluator’s perspective, arguing that 90s are the new 80s (when it comes to scores needed for applications to be funded), and sharing reflections and observations with the participants on how to use AI, or perhaps more importantly, how not to use it, at the project development stage.
Maria Ranta, Senior Advisor at the University of Agder, during her session at the Open Space in Bergen.
Another was Einar Stokka, Senior Advisor at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, who temporarily put aside his host hat to moderate a panel discussion on cooperation between universities and regions, as well as between universities and industry which also featured contributions of representatives from the Norwegian National Agencies. Ana Reis, Coordinator of the International Education and Training Projects Unit at the University of Porto, delivered a session on project cycle, offering insights from a project unit’s perspective, as well as practical approaches to ensuring that project results remain sustainable beyond the funding period. The list could go on.
Participants engaged in their group activities at the Open Space in Bergen. Photo by Mauricio Pavez & Tora Andersen (HVL)
What stood out most, however, was the willingness of participants to share openly, challenge ideas, and learn from one another. Because of this, a special kind of energy settled into the room: an energy of exploration – of ideas, partnerships, and new knowledge.
Not to mention the buzzing energy of networking, which reached new heights (and latitudes) as participants showed remarkable determination in completing their Open Space bingo cards.
As one of the participants put it:
“This is going to be very difficult to beat. But hey, this is how we feel every year 🙂 I truly feel this is my closest professional community right now…” (Isabel Crespo, Erasmus University Rotterdam)
So, yes, while this Open Space was a first in a number of special ways, it also preserved what has always made it special: people, ideas and the willingness to create something together.
Cover photo by Mauricio Pavez & Tora Andersen (HVL)