Strengthening the links between science and business in the region: this is the aim of the “Zukunft[s]unternehmen Nordwest” series of events organised by the Universities of Oldenburg and Bremen. The series kicks off on 29 March in the BIS Hall with a session on “IT and Technology in Care”.
Designed as a platform for exchange, the new series aims to benefit early-career researchers, academic entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike, whilst promoting the region’s innovative potential. The first of an initial series of three events will focus on the healthcare sector and will take place on Wednesday 29 March, 7.00 pm, in the University Library Hall (Haarentor campus, Uhlhornsweg 49–55). The topic: ‘IT and Technology in Care – Opportunities and Limitations of Smart Networking’.
Participants can look forward to a new event format: First, several experts will shed light on the topic in keynote talks from their respective perspectives – followed by direct discussions amongst the participants in rotating pairs or small groups, similar to ‘speed dating’. In this way, the organisers aim, for example, to bring business leaders into contact with start-up founders or doctoral candidates. This is based on the conviction “that the exchange is beneficial for both sides – established players and newcomers alike”, says Sarah Zumbrock from the Department for Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Oldenburg. Throughout the event, the moderator, Tanja Föhr, will visualise and document the ideas and insights shared in the plenary session through drawings.
The theme of the opening event, “IT and Technology in Care”, concerns a major sector; after all, twelve per cent of the working population in north-west Germany work in the healthcare sector or conduct research into health and care. Can care research and practice in the region be linked even more effectively? Where does the potential for innovation lie, and where might there be a need for further training? These and other aspects will be explored. The keynote presentations will shed light on, amongst other things, the academisation of care, innovations from a start-up perspective, and the question of how technology can improve the situation for carers or ensure better care through telecare.
Alongside the Universities of Oldenburg and Bremen, the Oldenburg-based affiliated Institute GIZ gGmbH and the City of Oldenburg’s Economic Development Agency are participating as cooperation partners in the ‘Zukunft[s]unternehmen Nordwest’ series. The second event, on 11 May, will focus on ‘Energy and Innovation’. An event on the topic of ‘Logistics and Innovation’ is planned for autumn 2017. Registration is required.
