The 2024 Students Week, hosted by the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV), will feature five Short Advanced Programme Challenges.

The ‘Introduction to the Social and Solidarity Economy Challenge’ is jointly organised by FHV and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) addresses today’s challenges without relying on commercial enterprises or the state. Its importance has grown since the 21^st century, culminating in a UN resolution in April 2023 promoting SSE for sustainable development. This recognises the role of SSE in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urges member states to integrate it into education.

SSE encompasses various community-focused entities such as renewable energy communities, time banks and cooperatively organised local supply that go beyond conventional market and state frameworks.

This SAP Challenge aims to raise awareness of the potential of SSE in Europe by providing an overview of its actors, activities, principles and values. The programme guides students in understanding informal SSE initiatives and offers initial guidance in developing a community enterprise, including practical tasks and an excursion for first-hand insight into their development.

The Students Week will allow all RUN-EU students to participate in four more SAP Challenges:

• Future Explorations Challenge
• AI for a Sustainable Future Challenge
• Building the Born Global Firm Challenge
• Regional Energy System – Vision 2040 Challenge

Date
From 2 to 6 September 2024

Face-to-face week
Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, Dornbirn, Austria

Mode of delivery
In-person

Language of instruction
English

ECTS credits
1

Academic recognition
To be defined by each Home Institution.
In general terms, most students will have this RUN-EU SAP certified in their diploma supplement, as a minimal condition.

Eligible participants
All RUN-EU students.
Priority is given to the members of the Student Councils in each RUN-EU member university.