NEWS
RUN-EU Innovation Day – IPCA Promotes a Round Table on the Challenges of Social Innovation in Educational Contexts
20 November 2024
On 14 November, the Auditorium of the Municipal Library of Barcelos hosted the RUN-EU Innovation Day 2024, an event promoted by the Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA) as part of the RUN-EU European Alliance.
The central theme of the roundtable was “Social Innovation in Educational Context”, and it brought together representatives from academia, the Municipality of Barcelos, third-sector organisations and Escola Básica da Ponte to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities in this field.
Paula Tavares, Vice-President of IPCA, opened the event by giving the audience an overview of RUN-EU’s work in the regional and European context. Next, Pedro Melo, IPCA’s Pro-President for Employment, Entrepreneurship and Alumni, and Mariana Carvalho, Barcelos City Councillor for Education, took the stage to officially present IPCA FILS – Future Innovators Lab, a space that aims to foster innovation by bringing young people into contact with pioneering educational projects related to STEAM fields, bringing the IPCA community closer to local schools.
The round table, moderated by Pedro Melo, brought together professionals and representatives from different sectors to reflect on innovative practices and the main challenges related to social transformation through education.
The discussion began with the youngest participant on the panel, Ana Miguel Pedrosa, a 7th grade student at the Escola Básica da Ponte, who gave an inspiring testimony on how her school’s innovative educational model has influenced her education. Ana also shared with the audience, in response to questions from the moderator, the challenges she might face when transitioning to a more traditional education system.
Teachers Cristiana Almeida and Alexandra Ferreira also explained how Ponte’s pedagogical model, based on projects and collaborative teams, encourages students’ active participation in their learning and in the management of the school itself.
Sara Cruz, a lecturer and researcher at IPCA, addressed the challenges of balancing technology with inclusive teaching methods, how technology can promote social innovation in education and whether the use of mobile phones in the classroom can be an ally or an enemy for students. She also highlighted the role of IPCA’s Master’s in STEAM Education Support Technologies as a tool to prepare educators and schools for innovative practices.
Marta Maciel, Director of Education at Barcelos City Council, then highlighted the role of municipalities in promoting policies that encourage innovation in schools and the active participation of students, citing the “Recreio” project as an example.
The Executive Administrator of BragaHabit, Carlos Videira, brought a practical perspective by talking about social housing projects integrated with educational initiatives. He highlighted how social innovation can go beyond the walls of schools and involve local communities.
Representing the Youth Department of the Portuguese Red Cross, Andreia Miranda shared examples of programmes that involve young people in solidarity and social entrepreneurship activities. Her experience demonstrated the benefits of mobilising students to solve community problems by educating them to be leaders and active members of society.
The perspectives shared during the event reinforced the importance of continuous dialogue and reflection, the adoption of inclusive strategies and the mobilisation of communities to develop transformative solutions.
This event not only generated valuable insights but also consolidated partnerships that promise to shape the future of education with creativity and positive social impact, which can be leveraged through IPCA FILS.