Robert Gordon University (RGU) is holding an event to look at solutions for some of the region’s most prominent challenges as part of North East Business Week.
The student-led event is a direct follow on from the Economic Summit – ‘Aberdeen, Scotland - the Next Chapter’ - which RGU hosted in November 2015 where a group of students took part in a ‘Skunkworks’ activity to come up with ways to improve Aberdeen City and its region.
The aim for the follow-up event, which is taking place on Thursday, April 21 at RGU’s Garthdee campus, is to encourage students and business representatives to work together to actualise positive change in key areas of growth identified at the Economic Summit.
Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU, says: “This is a brilliant opportunity for both students and professionals to come together and achieve something meaningful for the region.
“A re-energised Aberdeen city region represents one of the greatest social and economic opportunities for Scotland today and it is vital that we capitalise on key areas of growth identified by local, national and international leaders at our Economic Summit.
“The event, which is being organised by RGU students, encourages businesses to get involved in an important economic developmental project by working directly with enthusiastic students from across the city’s universities and college to create solutions to some of the region’s most prominent challenges.”
Entitled ‘Connect, Combine, Create’, the free event will connect students with the various sectors in the city and beyond; combine thoughts and ideas based on challenges facing the region; and create real life projects which can be pursued further to improve the region.
The project ideas pitched on the day will be rated by a friendly ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel, with the hope that the projects can be developed further following the event.
Professor von Prondzynski continues: “By reinventing an interactive dynamic event style the students will benefit from business expertise, while professionals can foster young entrepreneurial minds and establish lasting connections with aspiring students.”
Paul Higginson, Customer Solutions and Support Director of Well-SENSE Technology, who attended the Economic Summit, adds: “My business partner Dan Purkis presented at last year’s summit - which was a positive and insightful event. We’re looking forward to returning to RGU to hear of the progress made since then, and listen to the views of the students.
“The City Region Deal is a long term project which will have a significant impact on the next generation, who will ultimately fuel the future of Aberdeen and Shire. In order for this initiative to successfully progress, it’s important that this is an event of open minds and novel ideas."
‘Connect, Combine, Create’, which RGU is hosting in partnership with Elevator as part of North East Business Week, will run from 4pm to 6pm in the Sir Ian Wood Building located at RGU’s Garthdee campus.
For more information on the event and to register visit www.connectcombinecreate.eventbrite.co.uk