The VERTECH CITY network’s International Summer School will hold its 3rd edition from June 28 to July 8, 2023 in Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada, in the context of its new “City of Circular Innovation”, where cities, academic institutions, businesses and citizens are at the heart of the innovation ecosystem, acting as the engine and propulsion of a much-coveted ecological and circular transition.
THEME: CIRCULAR INNOVATION
Circularity is increasingly cross-cutting. As the challenges facing society are exacerbated by the climate, energy and pandemic crises, this year’s event will take a closer look at how circularity can be used to innovate beyond the economy.
CONTENT AND EDUCATIONAL APPROACH
- Preparatory session with participant notebook and follow-up session
- Theoretical and interactive sessions with case studies by highly qualified specialists
- Visits to inspiring local businesses and organizations in action
- Networking activities (welcome cocktails, networking sessions, citizens’ day, etc.)
- Group exercise (setting up an entrepreneurial project) with oral presentation to a large audience
- Connection with other local and cultural events: Canada Day celebrations (July 1, 2023)
EXPECTED PARTICIPATION
- 5 motivated students (college, university) per participating country, with profiles in green chemistry, environment, administration, management, engineering, entrepreneurship, social science, land use and urban planning, etc.
- Possibility of credit for the training (registration fees (credits) are at the students’ expense)
- 2 to 3 speakers/experts from participating cities and universities, with the possibility of virtual speakers
WHY PARTICIPATE?
This international summer school, organized as part of the activities of the VERTECH CITY Network, represents a golden opportunity for students to enjoy a rich and unique experience in internationalization, while working on finding solutions to concrete challenges. Its approach aims to provide up-to-date knowledge and enlightened perspectives on the socio-economic and socio-entrepreneurial challenges facing cities and regions, and on the technological and social innovations developed to solve or mitigate these problems. These schools also serve to demonstrate the important role of mid-sized cities and businesses in the research and innovation ecosystem, while fostering closer ties with teaching and research institutions. It is an opportunity to introduce students to entrepreneurship, project management and innovation from a cross-disciplinary, cross-sector and cross-order (college + university) perspective.
FEES AND REGISTRATION
Registration, travel, accommodation and meals for school activities are free of charge. Course credit fees are at the participants’ expense, as are travel and meals on days off. Limited to 10 places for Quebec students (selection process).
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
Contact Nicholas Fecteau, event co-organizer for the Chaire de recherche municipale pour les villes durables – Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
E-mail: nicholas.fecteau@uqtr.ca Phone: +1 819 960-1139
