Bringing European Funding and Innovation Closer to Future Planners
As part of a specialized session at the Department of Spatial Planning and Regional Development – UTH, students and teaching staff explored the fundamentals of EU project management, with a strong emphasis on funding mechanisms, program design, and real-world implementation. The event was led by Mr. Samantzis, EC Evaluator Expert and Managing Director of the Center for European Projects, who guided participants through the intricacies of European funding frameworks and shared practical advice on designing and managing impactful projects.
A key feature of the session was the detailed presentation of the ESG4PMChange project, highlighted as a cutting-edge initiative that exemplifies how sustainability and governance can be embedded in the core of European project development. Participants gained insight into the project’s objectives, structure, and role in strengthening capacity for ESG-integrated project management across Europe.
Bridging Academia, Industry, and European Strategy
The session covered a series of thematic blocks, including:
- An introduction to European funding mechanisms and key program categories
- The project design process, from idea to implementation
- Best practices and lessons learned from EU-funded initiatives
- A case-based look at ESG4PMChange as an applied learning opportunity
The audience included final-year students of spatial planning and teaching staff, many of whom expressed strong interest in both the structure and strategic positioning of ESG4PMChange. Students appreciated the opportunity to connect academic theory with the realities of international project design, while educators emphasized the importance of institutional involvement in forward-looking initiatives.
📢 Participants recognized that exposure to projects like ESG4PMChange is not only informative—it is essential for preparing young professionals to work within complex, multidisciplinary, and sustainability-driven European project environments.
Interest, Visibility, and Forward Momentum
Feedback emphasized the value of connecting students with practitioners and experts involved in active EU initiatives. Participants highlighted:
- The importance of HEI-industry collaboration to share good practices
- The need to continuously inform and involve young scientists in emerging project frameworks
- The role of initiatives like ESG4PMChange in broadening career prospects for students
The teaching staff expressed clear interest in actively engaging with future activities of the ESG4PMChange project, recognizing its potential to enrich academic programs and foster innovation in teaching. They saw value in integrating project-based learning rooted in sustainability and European priorities into the existing curriculum. On the other hand, students emphasized their desire to stay closely informed about project developments, results, and opportunities for involvement, viewing ESG4PMChange as a valuable entry point into the world of international project management and sustainable development. For many, the project represented more than just an academic case—it was seen as a strategic stepping stone toward building future careers aligned with EU priorities and global sustainability goals.
