The International Hellenic University (IHU), a partner of the "MEDiterranean Quadruple helix Approach to Digitalization" (MED-QUAD) project in collaboration with the Epimorfotiki Kilkis sm LLC. (Lead Beneficiary), organized a series of informative local events in September and October 2023. These local events were aimed at disseminating the project's achievements and positive impact to representatives of the Quadruple Helix i.e. universities, businesses, local self-government, and society.

The MED-QUAD "tour" started from Kilkis, where the partners created two "Living Labs" of cross-border cooperation during the project and operated to highlight the cultural heritage and improve the quality and saving of water. The "living labs" are an "open" space for citizens and are used to highlight the effectiveness of the Quadruple Helix approach with the harmonized and coordinated synergy of science, entrepreneurship, management and society.

At the exhibition stand of the Municipality of Kilkis (collaborating partner), during the Trade Fair 2023 (but also in the other cities), the partners presented the Living Labs  for "Smart Water Use Applications -SWUAP" and for the "Applied Research for Cultural Heritage Exploitation - ARCHEO". They informed the attendees about the progress of the research activities. The cross-border Living Lab SWUAP has been created in Kilkis, in the hall of the building of the International Hellenic Univeristy/Kilkis department, in cooperation with the Municipality of Kilkis and the Municipal Enterprise for Water Supply and Sewerage of Kilkis - DEYAK (collaborating partners from Greece). The second Living Lab uses virtual and augmented reality technologies to represent the Cave of Agios Georgios in Kilkis digitally.

In the context of the 87th International Exhibition of Thessaloniki (TIF), Greece's most significant event, our partners participated for the third consecutive year! The members of the MED-QUAD project had the opportunity to promote one of the central concepts of the project: the idea of the university as a "Civic University" and the enhancement of collaborative relationships in the Mediterranean. The vision of the MED-QUAD project for higher education is to transform universities into "socially aware" organizations so that, in conjunction with businesses and local governments, they can fully fulfill their role, operating not just "in" the city or local community but "for the city," meaning for the social benefit of its citizens. At the International Hellenic University (IHU) exhibition stand at TIF, our project partners informed visitors from Greece and abroad, with a particular focus on key stakeholders in the Quadruple Helix, about the collaborations established among the six universities from the Mediterranean region (Greece, Italy, Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine, and Jordan) to meet the project's needs. They placed special emphasis on highlighting the project's results. Representatives from IHU provided information to visitors about other transnational actions undertaken by the university and offered informative materials about the MED-QUAD project. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore and inquire about the exhibits, including the products and services offered through the European project.

Simultaneously, a conference was held with 50 participants who discussed the utilization of the products and explored development perspectives. The project’s  success during the SEREXPO and KAVALAEXPO exhibitions in Serres and Kavala was followed by corresponding informative events. IHU's scientific manager for the MED-QUAD program, Associate Professor Dr. Kassianidis Panagiotis, along with the project's scientific managers from IHU and the executives of Epimorfotiki, highlighted critical aspects of the project and engaged in discussions with students, professors, entrepreneurs, and others.

The series of events will conclude on October 22, 2023, during the Sea & Tourism Expo - Sea Tourism Exhibition. Stay tuned to the MED-QUAD project's pages for updates on exciting upcoming activities that can benefit you both personally and professionally!

Website: http://www.enicbcmed.eu/projects/med-quad

Facebook: @enimedquad 

LinkedIn: @med-quad