The SPM² project was presented at a major meeting that brought together representatives from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Greece and Cyprus, emphasizing the value of European collaboration in education, innovation, and sustainable development.
Focus and Objectives
The presentation highlighted how ESG principles can be integrated into project management training and education to support sustainable business practices across Europe and raise awareness among universities and higher education stakeholders. It aligned with the event’s emphasis on innovation and internationalisation, showcasing SPM²’s vision, impact, and relevance within the European education and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Key objectives included:
promoting the SPM² learning framework and the role of digital technologies in strengthening European collaboration in education and innovation,
expanding the network of experts and stakeholders interested in ESG-integrated project management,
collecting input from HEI representatives to support future development and adoption,
sharing success narratives and examples demonstrating the practical value of ESG-focused training programs.
Event Overview
The meeting focused on implementation frameworks of key European programmes, with particular attention to Cooperation Partnerships and related EU project initiatives. This context provided a strong platform to position SPM² as a forward-looking contribution to sustainable competence development within higher education.
Participating universities included (among others): Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Agricultural University of Athens, Democritus University of Thrace, International Hellenic University, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, National Technical University of Athens, Hellenic Open University, University of Patras, University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, Open University of Cyprus, and University of Bosnia Banja Luka.
Participants and Speakers
Attendees primarily represented Public and International Relations Departments and European Programmes Offices of Greek universities, with participation from Cypriot HEIs. The event also featured speakers such as:
Mr. Thanos Papaioannou, President of ASEP (via webcast)
Ms. Elena Antonopoulou, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Museums, Municipality of Volos
Ms. Margarita Flouda, General Director of International and Public Relations, Hellenic Parliament
representatives of the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY)
Feedback and Outcomes
Participants expressed strong interest in SPM² research and its implications for higher education. Discussions emphasized the growing need to embed sustainability elements into project management education, with a constructive exchange of perspectives and institutional experiences.
Dissemination and Visibility
The SPM² project gained visibility through direct engagement with 64 participants, laying foundations for future collaboration, policy alignment, and expanded dissemination among public institutions—particularly within the higher education sector. The event strengthened credibility and trust and opened channels for continued engagement with a broader range of HEI stakeholders.
