Consortium

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) ( https://www.auth.gr/en/)  is the largest university in Greece and a distinguished center of academic excellence, research, and innovation. Founded in 1925, AUTH is located in the vibrant city of Thessaloniki and spans a wide range of disciplines across its 41 schools and faculties. Renowned for its commitment to fostering intellectual growth and societal impact, the university offers cutting-edge programs and cultivates a dynamic academic environment that inspires critical thinking, creativity, and global engagement. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, AUTH plays a pivotal role in addressing contemporary challenges, advancing knowledge, and contributing to the cultural and social development of Greece and beyond.

The Department of Political Sciences at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) is a leading department in Greece, dedicated to the study and advancement of political science. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, covering areas such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political sociology. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and critical thinking, the department equips students with the skills needed to analyze and address complex political and social issues. Its vibrant academic community fosters dialogue and collaboration, engaging with national and international scholars, policymakers, and organizations to contribute to the development of informed and inclusive governance practices.

The European Movement International (EMI) is the largest pan-European network dedicated to the promotion of European unity, democracy, and civic engagement. Founded in 1948, EMI brings together civil society organizations, political parties, trade unions, and business associations to advocate for a more democratic, transparent, and united Europe.

Through its extensive network, EMI works to influence European policies, foster dialogue between institutions and citizens, and promote democratic participation across the continent. It organizes events, campaigns, and policy discussions on key European issues, including human rights, sustainability, and economic growth.

As an independent and inclusive platform, EMI plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between European institutions and the public, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard in the decision-making process. By fostering cooperation and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the European Movement International continues to shape the future of Europe.

https://ruc.dk/en Roskilde University (RUC), founded in 1972, was established with the aim of setting new standards in education by challenging traditional university practices and embracing student involvement. The university is dedicated to innovative, interdisciplinary research and learning that addresses real-world challenges. RUC promotes a project- and problem-oriented approach to knowledge creation, emphasising collaboration across academic fields. With a strong connection between research and teaching, the university promotes transparency, participation and knowledge-sharing.

The Department of People and Technology is involved in developing sustainable solutions using experimental approaches and supporting people’s active commitment. The Department covers various scientific fields, including human, society, health, and IT, as well as planning, intervention, and design-focused disciplines.

The Centre for Social Sustainability at Roskilde University focuses on ethical and sustainable change through interdisciplinary research and collaboration. It works with various organisations to address social, economic, and environmental challenges, with an emphasis on social innovation, entrepreneurship, and the role of civil society.

Organisation, Ethics & Social Sustainability (OrgESS) is an interdisciplinary research group that combines sociological, psychological, anthropological, gender theoretical, organisational theoretical, ecological, and philosophical perspectives. The research group focuses on social sustainability, working with concepts such as social change, social innovation, social transformation, future work-life, social entrepreneurship, and ethics of care.

UZK (https://www.uni-koeln.de/): The University of Cologne (UoC) in Germany was established in the year 1388, the sixth university to be established in Central Europe. It is now one of the largest universities in Germany with more than 50,000 students.

The Seminar for Cooperative Research of the UoC (https://genosem.uni-koeln.de/en/) was founded in 1926, making it one of the oldest seminars for cooperative research in Germany. Its broad-based teaching and research program encompasses not only business and economic perspectives but also the social science view of cooperative management and cooperative enterprises. Cologne Cooperative Research sees itself as an application-oriented science. The aim is to work on problems that are also formulated as problems by practitioners and for which solutions can be developed jointly. Cologne Cooperative Science is characterized on the one hand by conceptual, theoretical groundwork at a high level of abstraction, which on the other hand can be implemented in concrete empirical research projects during which viable, practicable solutions for very specific problems are developed. The seminar’s research activities also include evaluations and consulting services for political actors. The aim of cooperative research at UoC, which sees itself as application-oriented science, is to produce results that benefit both science and practice

• The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano is located in one of the most fascinating European regions, at the crossroads between the German-speaking and Italian economies and cultures. Its trilingualism in teaching and research, its high level of internationalisation as well as an ideal study environment guaranteed by its excellent facilities are some of the reasons why unibz regularly reaches top positions in national and international rankings. The university is organized into 5 faculties with courses taught in German, Italian, and English: Economics and Management; Education; Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences; Design and Art; Engineering.
• The Competence Centre for the Management of Cooperatives (CC) aims to conduct internationally competitive research and knowledge transfer on cooperatives across disciplinary boundaries. Its research activities on current and future problems are intended to develop viable and forward-looking solutions. In this way, the CC makes an important contribution to the further development and competitiveness of the cooperative sector in South Tyrol and in the context of the European region Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino. Furthermore, its competence for social challenges, as well as its contribution to regional development shall be strengthened. In particular, the Competence Center (CC):
• carries out research projects,
• establishes and develops scientific cooperation with national and international universities and research institutions,
• provides consulting services and conduct research projects for corporate bodies and institutions,
• promotes the dissemination of the CC’s research through publications, conferences, seminars.

İzmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) is Türkiye’s only institute of technology, established in 1992 with a focus on graduate education. The medium of instruction is English. Ranked among Türkiye’s top five research universities, IZTECH leads in peer-reviewed publications per faculty member.

Located in Urla, İzmir, the campus spans 232.3 hectares, making it the third largest in Türkiye. IZTECH comprises three faculties—Engineering, Science, and Architecture—offering 18 undergraduate, 29 master’s (including 9 interdisciplinary), and 15 PhD (including 4 interdisciplinary) programs across 19 departments. The student body includes 6,842 students, with 1,476 in graduate programs. The female-to-male student ratio is 46:54, while faculty members (totaling 219) have a 54:46 ratio.

IZTECH has 147 international agreements (107 Erasmus+ and 40 non-Erasmus) and is a member of global networks such as EERA, EUCU.NET, MUNA, ICTP, and TWAS. The International Office manages global partnerships and supports international students.

With 354 laboratories (80% dedicated to R&D), IZTECH hosts Türkiye’s most advanced research facility, the Integrated Research Center (IRC), spanning 6,250 m². It houses eight specialized research centers, including those focused on environmental development, geothermal energy, biotechnology, and materials science. Additionally, four thematic advanced research centers explore quantum research, composite materials, infrared microelectronics, and energy efficiency.

IZTECH is Türkiye’s sole partner in the EU’s OpenAIRE project, supporting Open Science initiatives. Research priorities include environmental sustainability, water resources, and renewable energy.

The UNED is Spain’s largest public university, both in terms of student enrollment and academic offerings, as well as the largest campus in Europe. For over 50 years, the UNED has been dedicated to democratizing access to quality higher education through its leadership in online and blended learning. Its mission since its founding in 1972 has been to ensure equitable and equal access to university education.

Guided by this mission, the UNED aspires to be a global reference in higher education, rooted in values of excellence, scientific rigor, and a strong commitment to public service. Throughout its history, the university has continuously expanded geographically, embraced technological innovation, and diversified its educational programs.

With a vast network of centers in Spain and abroad (spanning 17 countries and 75 cities), the UNED serves more than 200,000 students annually, enabling them to learn from anywhere in the world. Its innovative learning system integrates online teaching with on-site support, supported by a cutting-edge technological platform designed to meet the individual needs of its diverse student body.

The GIPH UNED Research Group operates under the Organization Studies Department within the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at UNED. This group specializes in socio-economic research in key areas such as Welfare Economics and Citizen Participation.

Its primary research focuses include:

• Management of Public and Common Goods
• Poverty and Inequality in Society
• Social and Solidarity Economy
• Territorial Development

The group’s overarching goal is to propose and promote improvements in public policies and governance through active citizen engagement. As an interdisciplinary team, GIPH UNED brings together lecturers, researchers, and experts from diverse scientific fields to foster innovation and collaboration.

Open to partnerships, the group actively develops projects aligned with its core areas of expertise, advancing its mission of contributing to meaningful social and economic change.

Ethos Legal Solutions, based in Bulgaria, is a specialized legal and ethics consultancy focusing on health technology assessment and the ethical implications of AI and decision support systems. The company provides expert guidance on regulatory compliance, ethical frameworks, and governance strategies, ensuring responsible AI deployment and ethical decision-making in healthcare and technology sectors.

AINIGMA Technologies (https://ainigma.tech/ ) is a multidisciplinary organization that unites biomedical engineers, medical experts, and business consultants with extensive experience in developing AI-driven solutions for the healthcare sector. The vision of the team is to make the job of Healthcare stakeholders easier and more efficient. The realization of this vision arises from the introduction of a set of AI solutions, by exploiting Big Data analytics and Machine Learning techniques to enable the provision of high-quality products and services. With a strong foundation in research, AINIGMA has participated in 16 EU R&D projects, focusing on early diagnosis, disease onset prediction, risk assessment, disease progression analysis, and treatment optimization. Additionally, AINIGMA specializes in data harmonization, curation, and mapping to Common Data Models such as OMOP and FHIR, as well as creating tailored AI-powered tools to address specific customer needs. By combining advanced AI capabilities with a commitment to improving patient care, AINIGMA continues to advance healthcare innovation and efficiency.

Artemis Ltd. is an SME that specializes in research and innovation in the fields of Internet of Things (IoT), Wireless Sensor Networks and mobile applications. The company was established in 2022 in Bucharest, Romania. In ART we aim at meeting the needs of our customers while tackling the challenges of the modern information and communication-oriented business environment. Our main research and technical expertise is focused in the Internet of Things and health assessment mobile applications. The company’s portfolio also includes software development for front and back end IoT applications, data analysis, embedded software, iOS and Android applications design.

The P2P Lab is a non-profit organisation based in Ioannina, Greece, with a global network of collaborators. Dedicated to research and advocacy, the P2P Lab explores peer-to-peer (P2P) dynamics across technology, society, and the economy. Our mission is to develop and sustain global knowledge commons, fostering a community of researchers and practitioners who advocate for and track models of peer production, governance, and ownership in diverse fields. The P2P Lab has served as the research coordinator for the P2P Foundation and is a founding member of the Fab City Foundation, supporting the growth of resilient and sustainable cities worldwide.

We are part of a broader ecosystem of researchers, practitioners, and activists committed to champion and advance the commons in different sectors and fields. We are organically linked with the Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia which provides us with strategic partnership opportunities in Eastern Europe. We also maintain ongoing affiliations with the Open University of Catalonia, Harvard University and University of Thessaly in Greece. Beyond the academic sector, we have initiated the creation of the Epirus Living Lab in our region in order to coalesce the capacities of diverse socially oriented organisations active in the fields of energy, rural development, refugee integration and more.

Huset Venture is the result of an idea that was nurtured by a number of zealots at the “Daghøjskolen” for the Mobility Handicapped in Aarhus up through the 1990s.

The pupils and the head of the school were frustrated that it was virtually impossible to get a job if you had a reduced ability to work. Together they developed the unique idea of ​​creating a private company for people with disabilities, where the focus was on the resources of the individual rather than the limitations.

The idea became a reality in 1999, when Huset Venture opened its doors in Stavtrup near Aarhus. The company developed quickly with the budding of various business and course activities, and what started as a crooked idea and a reaction of defiance has now developed into several professional Huset Venture companies around the country, where as much as 95% of the approx. 140 employees have a permanently reduced ability to work.

Mission

We create jobs by developing and running a sustainable, socially economic business, where we:

– employ people in flexible jobs or on other special terms.

– supervises development programs that bring people closer to or into the labor market.

– through knowledge sharing and dialogue makes it visible that it has value for both the individual and for society to create more jobs on special terms.

Vision

We aim to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive labor market, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and develop, and at the same time we will be an important collaboration partner for all relevant stakeholders.

Cooperativa Sole was founded in 2013 as a social enterprise that delivers innovative care services and new housing models to promote well-being and longevity in numerous region in Italy.

Our team consists of over 90 professionals who provide their expertise daily, operate according to quality system standards, and place humanity and quality of life at the center of their work for both employees and service recipients. The fields of services we operate in include:

• ELDERLY CARE: Residential Care Homes , Assisted Living Communities, Summer Stays for Seniors.
• REHABILITATION: Therapeutic and rehabilitative communities for minors and adults, Communities for psychiatric patients, Socio-health communities, Communities for individuals with disabilities.
• OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE: Nursing clinics for managing minor and non-urgent cases, multi-specialty clinics, corporate vaccination hubs.
• SOCIAL SERVICES: Co-housing initiatives, Services within Correctional Facilities.
• HEALTHCARE: High-Intensity Care Units, medical activities in internal medicine wards, Emergency First Aid Points, and medical support services in correctional facilities.

Over the years, Cooperativa Sole has developed a certified operational model called Human 360, which was presented at the United Nations in April 2019. We were invited to showcase our innovation at the conference “Why it Matters: AI for Older Persons” (UN – New York). Human 360 serves as the foundational manifesto for all our projects. It is a model of civil economy based on four key pillars: innovation, community welfare, healthy lifestyles, and solidarity.

Since 2017, we have established an innovation area within Cooperativa Sole. This dynamic team, consisting of a project manager, psychologist, and social economist, was created to drive social innovation, conduct research, and secure financial resources and national and international stakeholders. To date, the team has undertaken numerous high-innovation experiments, including the integration of IoT and AI technologies, robotics, impact evaluation, and the assessment of generated well-being.

As the BirdLife International partner in Türkiye, Doğa Derneği (Doğa) is devoted to safeguarding biodiversity through cutting-edge research and conservation initiatives. Since its establishment in 2002, Doğa has been a driving force in protecting migratory routes, ecosystems, and iconic species such as the greater flamingo, Egyptian vulture, sociable lapwing, and great bustard.

In addition to species-focused efforts, Doğa is at the forefront of identifying and preserving Indigenous Production Landscapes (IPLs), cultural landscapes that are vital for sustaining biodiversity. Our hands on conservation efforts span diverse regions in Türkiye, including the olive and oak pastures of the Aegean, the Angora goat meadows of Ankara, and the agricultural mosaics of Divriği in Sivas. Despite rapid socio-economic shifts that have transformed traditional landscapes into monocultures, IPLs remain critical. These landscapes reflect agricultural practices that balance biodiversity with food quality while minimizing external inputs. Comparable landscapes include the Dehesa in Spain, Satoyama in Japan, and Türkiye’s Horata hills along its southwestern coastal rim.

Doğa Derneği has been a pioneer in biodiversity conservation in Türkiye. In 2006, we coordinated the completion of one of the world’s first national Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) inventories. This effort laid the groundwork for the KBA Updating Programme, launched in 2023 to identify and prioritize Türkiye’s most irreplaceable natural areas. Scientific research forms the foundation of our conservation initiatives, while the rich indigenous traditions of local communities inspire our on-the-ground actions.

In 2014, Doğa Derneği established the School of Nature in Orhanlı village, İzmir. Inspired by cultures that harmoniously coexist with nature, the School of Nature serves as a platform to institutionalize Doğa’s accumulated knowledge and share it with conservation practitioners, grassroots communities, and stakeholders. The school offers courses that cover diverse topics, such as applied conservation methods, river basin management, landscape and protected area stewardship, species conservation, pastoral ecosystems, and human ecology.

The School of Nature’s courses are designed to align with critical conservation issues locally and globally. Thematic programs, such as the Nature and Law School, are conducted not only in Orhanlı but also across Anatolia and through online platforms. Since its inception, the School has been a hub for training youth, women, and stakeholders, fostering a connected and empowered conservation network in Türkiye and the Mediterranean region.

Participants of the School maintain their ties to Doğa through established communication channels, allowing for continued capacity development, networking, and volunteer opportunities. Through these efforts, Doğa is building a vibrant, informed, and active community dedicated to conserving Türkiye’s rich natural heritage.

The Entretantos Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit, statewide organisation located in Spain, dedicated to promoting knowledge, research, participation, mutual learning, collective construction and networking in relation to the link between people and the land.

Entretantos aims to actively promote and foster the full incorporation of social participation, collaborative strategies and networking in socio-economic activities and public policies related to land, sustainability and environmental management:

• Bringing together organisations, groups and professionals working in the field of intervention and social innovation, education and participation, to explore together new strategies useful for the development of initiatives and projects.
• Researching and proposing ways of collaboration that facilitate and strengthen the cooperation of the different sectors involved in each of the areas of work in which we operate: agroecology and food systems, extensive livestock farming, commonlands and collective land management, environmental education and participatory processes, mediation in socioenvironmental conflicts and geodiversity.
• Facilitating channels of contact and cooperation between entities and people who work or have an interest in each of our areas of intervention.
• Promoting training and capacity building in participation, education, innovation and social intervention.
• Working with administrations, the social fabric and/or economic agents in the development of new initiatives for social participation and intervention, the consolidation of existing ones and the improvement of the resources made available for these processes.