INVEST BIP WEEK IN JOENSUU FOCUSED ON MOBILITY, PROMOTION AND STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

The INVEST Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) for staff and students “From Blueprint to Action: Co creating INVEST Mobility, Promotion and Student Involvement,” took place on 9–13 March in Joensuu, Finland, bringing together staff members and Student Board representatives from across the INVEST Alliance. Hosted by Karelia University of Applied Sciences, the week focused on developing practical approaches to mobility, promotion and student involvement within the alliance.

Around 30 participants took part in the programme, which combined a preparatory online phase with an on-site week of workshops, discussions and collaborative work. The structure allowed participants to first familiarise themselves with key themes remotely before continuing the work face-to-face in Joensuu.
 

During the week, participants explored how INVEST mobility opportunities can be communicated more clearly to students and staff, and how participation in alliance activities can be strengthened. Sessions also addressed the development of shared practices and services that support mobility and cooperation between partner institutions.

A central aim of the programme was to move beyond strategic plans and frameworks toward concrete actions. Through group work and discussions, participants exchanged experiences from their home institutions and identified practical ideas that could be tested and developed further within the alliance.

The BIP was the first INVEST Blended Intensive Programme specifically designed for staff members and was organised as a joint effort by several partner universities. The discussions and outcomes from the week will feed into ongoing work on mobility development and collaboration across the INVEST Alliance.