UNIVERZITA MATEJA BELA
ABOUT
Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica is a public institution of higher education and a member of the European University Association. The university provides high-quality education across seven faculties, aligned with the development of science and the needs of practice, while also advancing new knowledge through creative scientific and artistic research. In addition to its educational, scientific, and artistic activities, a significant part of the university’s creative work consists of basic and applied research carried out in cooperation with domestic and international institutions. The university hosts centres of excellence in research and implements scientific and development projects funded by European structural funds.
OUR ACTIVITIES IN THE CONSORTIUM
Matej Bel University (UMB) is the leader of the STICS project, ensuring comprehensive project management and its successful implementation. The university is involved in the implementation of seven out of the project’s eight work packages, playing a key role in creating sustainable innovative ecosystems. During the project, UMB will establish a Living Lab – SILab, primarily focused on social innovations supported by modern information technologies. Its mission will be to test innovations that will subsequently be implemented in municipalities, cities, and regions, as well as to disseminate the knowledge gained within the project to professional, academic, and general audiences.
BENEFITS OF OOUR OUTPUTS AND TARGET GROUP
Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, based on extensive research within the project, will examine the current range of technical and social innovations used in local governments. On the basis of the research results, it will identify the needs of municipalities, which other consortium members will gradually address through the implementation of their outputs. UMB will also collaborate on testing and introducing innovations, primarily within the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region (BBSK), as part of the SILab, which will ensure the long-term sustainability of the entire project and its outcomes. The implemented innovations will form part of a comprehensive catalogue of city innovations, serving as one of the project’s published outputs.
prof. Ing. Anna Vaňová, PhD.
What Are Your Expectations from the STICS Project?
I expect that through research and knowledge dissemination, the STICS project will deliver solutions that will contribute to more efficient and purposeful implementation of relevant innovations in local territories, as well as to greater citizen participation in public governance. Data accessibility will be improved, and functional, sustainable innovation ecosystems will be established within local governments in Slovakia.
For Whom and When Will Your Outputs Be Applicable?
The results of the STICS research and the application of its solutions will be useful primarily for municipalities, but also for other public administration entities and the general public. At the same time, I anticipate the creation of new business opportunities. The project should also contribute to strengthening cooperation between the academic, non-profit, and private sectors. I believe that all of this will have an impact not only within Slovakia but also in an international context.