Climate Engine – The Higher Education Institutions as Innovation Engines for place-based climate solutions

Higher education institutions building the future of climate action

Climate Engine is an international project that strengthens the role of higher education institutions in developing climate solutions. The aim is that in the future HEIs will serve as environments where practical solutions to climate change are created together with companies and other stakeholders.

The project develops the competences of higher education institutions, builds new collaboration networks, and creates practical innovations. At the same time, it supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing their operations so that sustainable business practices and climate considerations become part of everyday decision-making and activities. The project also introduces new approaches, such as Climate Innovation Labs, which provide environments focused on developing climate innovations.

The project brings together 12 partners: nine higher education institutions, one research institute, as well as business partners and other stakeholders from different countries. The collaboration forms a broad network of actors from research, education, business, and the public sector.

Humak contributes to the project with a human-centered perspective and expertise, supporting the development of sustainable solutions in collaboration with different stakeholders.

The long-term vision of the project is that by 2030, higher education institutions will play a significant role in developing climate innovations in their regions.

Actions

1. Training and mentoring students and higher education staff on climate action and sustainability themes

2. Developing climate-focused research collaboration

3. Support companies in the implementation of climate solutions

4. Create new types of partnerships and cooperation between different actors