Blended Intensive Programme
INNOVATIVE SCENARIOS FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION OF RURAL AREAS - ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMPETITIVE AGRICULTURE
| Important Note: Students interested in this program have to apply to their home university according to the internal procedure. Student applications made directly to the hosting institution will not be considered. |
General information
| Course Title | Innovative Scenarios for Socio-economic Transformation of Rural Areas - Entrepreneurship and Competitive Agriculture |
| Coordinating Institution | Krizevci University of Applied Sciences |
| Partner Institutions | University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Faculty of Agriculture Agricultural school and college MFR Iréo DE LESNEVEN |
| BIP Code | 2024-1-HR01-KA131-HED-000230936-1 |
| Description and objectives | The blended intensive programme (BIP) entitled “Innovative Scenarios for Socio-economic Transformation of Rural Areas - Entrepreneurship and Competitive Agriculture", organized by the Križevci University of Applied Sciences aims to address the critical intersection of application of cutting-edge, scientific and engineering advancements to revolutionize food production and address challenges in the agri-food sector. This programme brings together students, researchers, and professionals from diverse disciplines to explore how technologies like AI, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced materials, all aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in farming by re-designing and re-engineering business models and value chains, developing new clusters and networks, or establishing new relationships or collaborations between public, private and third sector organisations. Through a combination of online preparatory sessions, on-site workshops, and field activities, participants will gain hands-on experience. By integrating theoretical knowledge and practical applications, this programme aspires to create a multidisciplinary framework for addressing socio-economic transformation of rural areas through entrepreneurship by achieving competitive agriculture. |
| Number of ECTS | 5 |
| Calendar | Physical component: 20 – 24 October 2025 at Križevci University of Applied Sciences Virtual component: 1- 17 October 2025 and 27 October – 14 November 2025 |
| Number of participants | 15 - 30 |
| Mobility Costs | To be covered with Erasmus + grants of the sending institution |
| Contact | Valentina Papić (vpapic@vguk.hr) – Križevci University of Applied Sciences Silvije Jerčinović (sjercinovic@vguk.hr) - Križevci University of Applied Sciences |
| Application | Nominations for the BIP will be sending to Valentina Papic (vpapic@vguk.hr) until 15 September 2025. |
Pedagogical Information
| Target group/Expected student profile | Students from the programs of studies: Agriculture, Management in agriculture |
| Requirements/Academic background/Level of studies | As the course will be taught in English, it is expected that candidates have a B1/B2 level of English. |
| Enrollment | The selection will be made by the home university and nominations will be sent by 15 September 2025. Nominated students must be registered by their sending institution in the Beneficiary module. |
| Selection criteria | Participants must have minimal knowledge in the field of agriculture and management in agriculture. |
Structure of the course
| Description of the virtual component | The virtual component will take place before and after the physical part in Križevci at Križevci University of Applied Sciences. This will be an opening session, introduction of participants and presentation of objectives and tasks led by a representative of the coordinating and partner institutions. During the session, participants will receive clarifications on the portfolios they will prepare during the course, and which will be assessed by the trainers. |
| Description of the physical component | The course will include sessions with guest speakers from BIP partner institutions and host institution, who will share experiences and good practices in the field of innovative entrepreneurship in agriculture, deep tech solution in biotechnological field and food production. In addition, participants are expected to make short presentations of their institutions. Participants (students and staff) will also participate in workshops aimed at increasing the degree of efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in farming by re-designing and re-engineering business models and value chains. BIP includes a social program with a tour of local rural area. |
| Objectives: | a) Promote Awareness Increase understanding of the role of Entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Competitive Agriculture b) Develop insight for possibility of practical application Provide participants with insight into the meaning and factors of deep tech solutions for agricultural production. c) Encourage Multidisciplinary Collaboration Facilitate collaboration among students and professionals from various fields, fostering the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas. d) Bridge Theory and Practice Combine theoretical concepts with practical applications by organizing field activities, case studies, and real-world problem-solving sessions. e) Address Global Challenges Explore strategies which enable socio-economic transformation of rural areas, achieving high standards of sustainability and sustainable growth. f) Foster International Cooperation Strengthen international academic and professional networks by engaging participants from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. g) Prepare Future Leader Equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to lead initiatives in innovative agriculture entrepreneurship in their respective regions. |
| Methodology: | - Lectures delivered by faculty and non-faculty members from diverse institutions about the following topics: · Entrepreneurship in agriculture. · Innovative deep tech solutions for biotechnology development. · Rural development. · Sustainability and resilience in agriculture. - The workshops will identify current socio-economic problems of rural areas, shortcomings or difficulties in entrepreneurship in agriculture, as well as outline strategies for improving the overall situation through the inclusion of elements of innovative entrepreneurship and those solutions in biotechnological production that are the result of AI, scientific research, the use of new materials and raw materials, etc. - Group discussions and brainstorming on real possibilities of applying innovative entrepreneurial models, advantages, threats, opportunities and strengths. - Cases will be discussed and examples of good will be given. |
| Outcomes: | The BIP will have a digital platform on the website of the host institution. The digital platform will publicize results of individual work of participants and will be organized during the course under the supervision of the trainers. |