The meeting was opened by the Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with External Environment, dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE, who welcomed all partners and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation within the BAUHAUS4EU alliance.
Next, the Director of the Internationalization Office, Edyta Lachowicz-Santos, presented the role of European Universities within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the position of Polish and Silesian universities within the alliances, and key information about BAUHAUS4EU. She emphasized the polycentric nature of the consortium, its diversity, and the relevance of regions undergoing transformation. Partners were invited to actively participate in alliance activities, including future projects and initiatives related to the Innovation Hub platform.
The meeting was attended by representatives of, among others, the City of Rybnik, Forvia Faurecia Automotive, Polish Supply Management Leaders, Polish Mining Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Historic Coal Mine Guido, and the Euro-Centrum Science and Technology Park.
A key part of the meeting was a workshop led by Dr. Marcin Baron, aimed at identifying key regional challenges and potential areas of collaboration. Discussions covered joint project opportunities, priorities in the energy and social transition, the role of the Innovation Hub, the potential use of urban and post-industrial spaces, and possibilities for engaging students in research and project-based work. Partners also highlighted the need to develop future skills and practical initiatives with real regional impact.
The event was held in a very positive atmosphere, and the strong engagement of partners demonstrated significant potential for joint actions. The insights collected will support further planning of initiatives, including defining topics for future European BAUHAUS Courses and activities carried out within Regional Living Labs.
