Achievements (EN): The MED-QUAD project was a significant scientific and research milestone in socio-economic development through digitization in the Mediterranean regions where its actions took place. Its impact extended not only at the European level but also at the local level. At the local and regional levels in Greece, the project's initiatives were implemented in Northern Greece, particularly in Kilkis. The collaboration among the six universities from Mediterranean countries in this project involved engaging in cross-border activities related to a scientific topic. This collaboration significantly contributed to the identification and enhancement of issues pertaining to education, sustainable economic development, and, most importantly, the cooperation of key players within the Quadruple Helix approach.
The International Hellenic University (IHU) the Greek partner in the MED-QUAD project, collaborated with the Lead Beneficiary of the project Epimorfotiki Kilkis sm LLC to establish favorable conditions for strengthening cooperation among the main actors of the Quadruple Helix Approach—universities, businesses, local government, and society. IHU, contributed its unique approach within the vision of the MED-QUAD project, striving to operate the university as a "Civic University" to the maximum extent possible.
This entailed going beyond the traditional educational role of the university. Through cross-border and local cooperation with Quadruple Helix entities and members of the "City Development Group" (CDG) established for Kilkis, IHU operated not merely within the city but "for" the city, prioritizing the social benefit of its citizens. It's noteworthy that corresponding "City Development Groups," with the specific purpose of raising awareness among citizens and enhancing cooperation between universities and society, were also established in the other participating countries of the project: Italy, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Tunisia.
Following the successful completion of the MED-QUAD project, IHU, briefly highlights the achievements and positive social impact in Greece. As part of the project, the following milestones were reached:
ü Technical meetings, collaboration contacts, and the establishment of "Living Labs":
A total of 16 meetings were conducted, serving not only to promote the project but also as a platform for engaging with social bodies, businesses, local government organizations, and members of the "City Development Group." These gatherings facilitated discussions, implementation of activities, and resolution of any challenges related to the enhancement of water quality and the promotion of cultural heritage.
Special emphasis was placed on the city of Kilkis, where two "Living Labs" — open spaces for citizen engagement in research — were established and are currently operational. One focuses on "Smart Water Use Applications Living Lab-SWUAP," while the other centers on "Applied Research for Cultural Heritage Exploitation - ARCHEO Living Lab."
The first "Living Lab" established in Kilkis, hosted in a hall at the International Hellenic University /Kilkis Department, in collaboration with the Municipality of Kilkis and the Municipal Enterprise for Water Supply and Sewerage of Kilkis -DEYAK (associated partners from Greece). The second "Living Lab" leverages virtual and augmented reality technologies for the digital representation of the cave of Agios Georgios in Kilkis. Through virtual and augmented reality, the cultural living laboratory provides each visitor, whether in person or virtually, the opportunity to simulate a cultural experience. These laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge and innovative equipment, such as the MATTERPORT photogrammetric camera, 3D scanner, specialized machines for water quality control, etc., and have commenced interdisciplinary research.
Over the three-year duration of MED-QUAD (2020-2023), productive meetings occurred between project partners and representatives from the Municipal Enterprise for Water Supply and Sewerage of Kilkis -DEYAK, the Municipality of Kilkis, representatives of the Regional Unit of Kilkis, the Kilkis Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Development Agency of Kilkis S.A. (AN.KI. S.A), as well as educators from Secondary and Higher Education. The "City Development Group" operated through 22 meetings, where working methods, as well as plans for disseminating and exploiting results within the local and educational communities, were meticulously identified and planned.
ü International Seminar, Training Seminars, and Community Engagement and Activation:
IHU, in collaboration with Epimorfotiki Kilkis sm LLC, organized two training seminars in 2022-2023 for university and company staff, along with an additional two seminars dedicated to training members of the "City Development Group," comprising seven individuals/representatives of the Quadruple Helix Approach. The first online seminar for the "City Development Group" members took place from July 11 to 15, 2022, followed by the second from December 15 to 21,
2022. Through these training sessions, the CDG members established a framework for implementing and evaluating real trials and innovations based on collaborative practices, ultimately agreeing on a unified strategy for the city's development.
Furthermore, the Greek partners hosted the International Seminar on the "Civic University" at the Epimorfotiki Kilkis facilities from March 31 to April 1,
2022.The first Steering Committee Meeting, attended by 27 representatives of transnational cooperation partners, was also organized. The purpose was to promote the framework of activities for "Living Labs," "City Development Groups," and the role of the "Civic University" based on the Quadruple Helix approach for innovation. Targeted discussions on project needs, educational visits, common challenges, country-specific nuances, and the shared Mediterranean heritage took place. These discussions underscored a collective commitment to collaboratively seeking solutions to existing problems.
On May 25-26, 2023, IHU hosted a Cross-Border Meeting at its Kilkis Department, with over 100 participants attending in person and remotely. In addition to Greek participants, representatives from the University of L'Aquila (L'Aquila, Italy), Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport- AASTMT (Alexandria, Egypt), Al-Balqa Applied University - BAU (Salt, Jordan), University of Sousse (Sousse, Tunisia), and Palestine Polytechnic University–PPU (Hebron, Palestine) were present. The attendees had the opportunity to visit the Cave of Agios Georgios in Kilkis and the Municipal Enterprise for Water Supply and Sewerage of Kilkis -DEYAK. They observed on-site the equipment installed as part of the project, discussed the functionality of innovative tools, and reviewed the progress of water quality research.
The scientific and administrative staff of IHU, who dedicated their efforts to MED-QUAD, engaged in various activities, including local events of both large and smaller scales. The primary goal was to inform the local community about the project's actions and outcomes while mobilizing everyone in alignment with the Quadruple Helix Approach. The university's working group, alongside the human resources of the Lead Beneficiary, actively participated for two consecutive years in the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), Greece's most significant exhibition event, drawing a substantial number of visitors from both domestic and international backgrounds. Moreover, efforts to disseminate project results extended to informative local initiatives during the Kilkis Trade Fair and exhibitions held in Serres (Serexpo) and Kavala (Kavalaexpo).
Dr. Kassianidis Panagiotis, Associate Professor and Scientific Manager of IHU for the MED-QUAD project, along with the project's specialized experts from IHU, played a crucial role during these events. They addressed various inquiries from visitors, including students, professors, and entrepreneurs, emphasizing critical aspects of the project and its significant positive social impact on Greece and partner countries.
In addition to their involvement in local actions, representatives of the Greek partners actively participated in the Cross-Border Meeting and the Final Event of the project, which took place in Italy in September
2023.
In the context of MED-QUAD, several scientific works have been conducted, either already published or in the final stages before publication. In the cross-border research work titled "Sampling Frequency for Water Consumption in Al-Huson Region" (Authors: Rebhi A. Damseh, Ayat Khasawneh, Ma'moun Al-Smadi, Petros Samaras, Khalideh Al Bkoor Alrawashdeh), the scientific staff of the IHU collaborated with "Al-Balqa Applied University," a project partner from Jordan.
Epimorfotiki Kilkis sm LLC (Lead Beneficiary), in collaboration with the university institutions involved in the project, plans to transfer the accumulated experience and know-how in the fields of water resources and cultural heritage to targeted groups, including entrepreneurs, local government officials, and the unemployed. This will be achieved through comprehensive vocational training and lifelong learning programs.
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