Project Consortium & Partners

Mälardalen University (MDU) is a Swedish public university. A pioneer in sustainability, MDU was the first globally to be environmentally certified according to the international ISO14001 standard. It focuses on integrating Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability (ERS) into its four academic schools: Health, Business, Engineering, and Education. The project will be hosted by the Embedded Systems (ES) department whom research ranks internationally among the best in the world. Moreover, A large part of this research is conducted in cooperation with industrial partners such as ABB and Volvo. ES has a proven track record in global projects (Artemis, ITEA) and industry co-production. The department focuses on four areas, including Computer and Data Science (CDS), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Medical and health engineering (MHE), Software and Systems Engineering (SSE). Additionally, two company research schools in Embedded Systems are conducted in collaboration with a number of industrial companies.

EURO LIDER Association focuses on human resource development, lifelong learning, and social inclusion. Its mission includes supporting migrants, refugees, and people with disabilities, while promoting entrepreneurship, gender equality, and digitalization. The association achieves its goals through workshops, vocational training, business consulting, and the development of IT products like e-learning platforms. As a recruitment agency and innovation hub, it cooperates with public authorities, NGOs, and employers to foster regional and international cooperation. EURO LIDER relies on a robust network of experts, including psychologists, vocational counselors, and mentors. This multidisciplinary team develops training programs and support models for various groups, such as the unemployed and youth. By partnering with local governments and social welfare centers, the association ensures professional support and successful implementation of EU-funded projects and Erasmus+ initiatives.

SYDIC (The Italian Chapter of the System Dynamics Society) is a non-profit association to promote the System Dynamics methodology and Systems Thinking (ST) approach across Italy and Europe. As a regular member of the national RUNTS register, the association consists of over 70 official associates and 200 members, including leading scholars from prominent Italian universities such as those in Rome, Milan, and Bologna. SYDIC focuses on applying systemic modeling to complex problems, ranging from sustainable resource management and climate change to cybersecurity and social issues like radicalization. The association is particularly active in integrating ST and ST/SD methodologies into all levels of education, from primary schooling to vocational training, to enhance STEM skills and support digital transformation. Furthermore, SYDIC has extensive experience in international cooperation, currently serving as a coordinator for Erasmus+ Sport and as a partner in various Erasmus+ KA2 and Horizon 2020 projects.

SMARTS PC is an innovative Greek company composed of a multidisciplinary team of 15 experts, including engineers, economists, and urban planners. With offices in Athens and Lamia, the firm specializes in providing high-level consulting and ICT services to municipal, regional, and state authorities both nationally and across the EU. SMARTS focuses on diverse initiatives ranging from employability, social inclusion for marginalized groups, and career counselling to sustainable development and digital transformation. The company possesses extensive experience in large-scale ICT projects, developing advanced web and mobile solutions for sectors such as smart cities, tourism, and healthcare. Additionally, SMARTS excels in the design and management of operational programs and feasibility studies co-financed by European Structural and Investment Funds. Currently, the company provides comprehensive proposal coordination and management services for major funding programs, including Interreg, EEA Grants, and Horizon 2020.

The University of Maribor (UM) is Slovenia’s second-largest university, comprising 17 faculties. As a leading regional developer, UM fosters a global innovation ecosystem across engineering, medicine, and social sciences, maintaining partnerships with over 110 institutions worldwide. The project will be implemented by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor (FERI), a key national and international scientific institution. FERI is currently involved in over 60 EU projects (including Horizon Europe and Erasmus+) and emphasizes project-based learning closely aligned with labor market needs. Research is spearheaded by the Institute of Informatics, which has a pioneering history in computer science since 1978. Its expertise covers software engineering, embedded systems, and information security, while its Laboratory for Data Technologies focuses specifically on cybersecurity, privacy, and ICT, ensuring a robust scientific foundation for high-impact intellectual outputs.

Founded by a group of university colleagues and long-time collaborators, PrepareMeAI is a Polish-based firm specializing in innovative ICT services and AI-driven applications. The company focuses on increasing productivity and disseminating cutting-edge AI knowledge through specialized training and workshops. Its interdisciplinary core team of 10 experts includes engineers, tax consultants, lawyers, linguists, and AI-supported marketing specialists, providing a unique blend of technical and regulatory expertise. PrepareMeAI delivers modern solutions tailored to the needs of municipalities, ministries, private entrepreneurs, and educational institutions at both national and EU levels. With extensive experience in legal, financial, and consulting services, the management team excels in project settlement and strategic development. Operating both through its physical office and online, the company remains committed to bridging the gap between advanced technology and societal benefits through high-quality digital transformation initiatives.

Established in Brussels, Spin System is a collaborative platform designed to foster innovation among private companies, particularly SMEs, universities, and non-profit organizations. The association promotes multidisciplinary research and enhances cooperation within the European Single Market, helping its members maximize EU funding opportunities. Aligned with the strategic organization of the European Commission, Spin System operates across six key macro-policy areas: Energy, Ecosystem Development, Public Health, Food, Social Inclusion, and Security. By bridging the gap between research and industry, the association focuses on developing innovative solutions and processes within these strategic sectors. Its Brussels-based presence allows it to remain at the forefront of European research and innovation policies, providing a vital link between multidisciplinary expertise and practical application in the EU funding landscape.

NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA UNL) is a prestigious public institution ranked 36th in the QS “50 under 50” ranking. Its specialized school, NOVA IMS, was established to meet the global demand for experts in data science, information management, and analytics. NOVA IMS offers top-tier programs, including the first Information Systems degree in Europe accredited by the U.S. agency ABET. Several of its Master’s programs are ranked among the top four globally by Eduniversal, with its Knowledge Management specialization consistently holding the world’s top spot. Research is driven by the Information Management Research Center (MagIC), a European reference institution in data science featuring a team of over 80 researchers, some of whom rank among the top 1% of scientists worldwide. NOVA IMS is highly active in international cooperation, managing over 40 research projects, including 19 funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and Erasmus+.