19/05/2010 - The creative and knowledge economy in European Cities

Policy-makers and researchers are giving growing attention to creativity and innovation as drivers of urban development. Around the world, there exists a popular belief that creativity and innovation may be seen as a trigger for a successful economic development in cities and metropolitan regions. On 27, 28 and 29 May 2010, Aufbauwerk will participate in the Final Conference of the ACRE project in Barcelona and share its experience in the promotion of creative industries that was gained in the SECOND CHANCE and CREATIVE CITIES projects. A specific contribution will be made in a workshop on creativity in post-socialist cities. More information.

19/05/2010 - SECOND CHANCE – First partner meeting

On April 19th the first partner meeting of the project “Second Chance”, which deals with the revitalisation of brownfields through creative industries, took place in Leipzig. The project partner, association of Halle 14 in the Baumwollspinnerei, greeted the guests in authentic ambiance. Tho' the Icelandic vulcan avoided in this case also the participation of some guests of the partner cities Venice and Ljubljana, the meeting was a big success. For instance, generally questions concerning the administrative facets of the project were clarified. The corporate design including the project logo and leaflet, which will be used to introduce the project in the public, were discussed and the first project tasks were planned. To this belongs on the one hand the SWOT analysis of the situation of the brownfield by discovering its strengths and weaknesses and on the other hand the preparation of the opening conference in Nuremberg.

15/04/2010 - SMART+ Kick-off Meeting in Krakow

On the 9th of April the Kick-off meeting for the INTERREG IV C Mini-Programme SMART+ took place in Krakow. The partners agreed on basic technical framework conditions for the project, like administrative procedures, the budget and the communication plan. Representatives of the JTS were present at the meeting. With SMART+ begins a four-year project that provides an excellent opportunity for Saxony to test new approaches for the support of Innovation and R & TD in small enterprises and to benefit from the exchange with other European regions. The next step within the project is an analysis of the current situation of small businesses and innovation policy in the six partner regions (Aragon/ES, Saxony/DE, Malopolska/PL, Dytiki Mackedonia/GR, Cluj/RO, South-East Bulgaria/BG), that will be summarized in six regional reports. These reports are the basis for the selection of themes for the subprojects that will begin in 2011. In June, they will be presented at a public conference in Burgas (BG).

15/04/2010 -  Interim visit in Swiebodzice (TRANSGREDIO)

Cheerful and happy participants met the TRANSGREDIO - partners in its interim visit in Swiebodzice (Poland) on April 9th. The young people reported glowingly about the positive progress of their work experience and their individual experiences in the host country. Marzena Korona-Kruk, who is very committed to the needs of the group, was also present at the short gathering. The social pedagogue and appointee of the municipality of Swiebodzice is sold on the group and very happy about all feeling good in Poland. She likes it to be together with the enthusiastic teenagers and gives them an understanding of country and traditions by doing trips and telling stories. In this context she introduces them into the polish language.
More information & field reports…

15/04/2010 - SMART+ Kick-off Meeting in Krakow

On the 9th of April the Kick-off meeting for the INTERREG IV C Mini-Programme SMART+ took place in Krakow. The partners agreed on basic technical framework conditions for the project, like administrative procedures, the budget and the communication plan. Representatives of the JTS were present at the meeting. With SMART+ begins a four-year project that provides an excellent opportunity for Saxony to test new approaches for the support of Innovation and R & TD in small enterprises and to benefit from the exchange with other European regions. The next step within the project is an analysis of the current situation of small businesses and innovation policy in the six partner regions (Aragon/ES, Saxony/DE, Malopolska/PL, Dytiki Mackedonia/GR, Cluj/RO, South-East Bulgaria/BG), that will be summarized in six regional reports. These reports are the basis for the selection of themes for the subprojects that will begin in 2011. In June, they will be presented at a public conference in Burgas (BG).

22/03/2010 - Science and research in Leipzig

The City of Leipzig will host the Researcher’s Night 2010 together with the Aufbauwerk and local scientific institutions on the 24th of September 2010. The event will continue with the success of the previous “long night of science” (Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften) in 2008. The application persuaded the EU with a competitive and innovative concept. Through the Researcher’s Night, Leipzig presents itself as a centre for science and research of interregional importance once again. The event will put the excellent scientific institutions of the city into the spotlight. We are convinced that the European Researcher’s Night will be an exciting event. It would be a good idea to mark the event on the 24th of September in your calendar.

28/01/2010 - Urban Dimension: Reference projects selected

For the project „The urban dimension in the Operational Programmes of Germany“, one or more reference projects from each federal state (20 in total) that are funded by the ERDF or ESF funds have been selected. The projects cover various different fields of urban development, from infrastructural measures to activities that improve the social situation. There is also a great variety in the scale of the projects – the selection comprises major projects like “Stadtmitte am Fluss” (“City centre by the river”) in Saarbruecken, but also small-scale building measures to renovate individual roads or buildings, like for example the rehabilitation of the grammar school in Dresden-Bühlau. Each project was documented with a detailed profile. Furthermore with the help of the project managers each project was analysed in regard to their impact in terms of the Lisbon goals and the Leipzig charter. A final conference is planned in Berlin. The results will be integrated in the national strategy report of the federal government to the European Commission.

19/01/2010 - Abroad Internships offered to Young Persons! 

Starting in April, young persons will go east. The TRANSGREDIO project facilitates unemployed young adults (aged 27 years or less) to take part in a medium-term internship abroad. The possible destinations are Prague (Czech Republic) and Swiebodzice (Poland). Interesting tasks and an inspiring working environment are offered by Polish and Czech businesses. For the participants, the internship will not only be a valuable personal experience but also a real help to find durable employment at home. A series of preparatory workshops will be organised ahead of the internship. During their stay abroad, intensive care will be provided. The programme finances all accommodation and subsistence costs as well as language courses. Interested young adults should seek further information on our website or by phoning the responsible, Sandra Commichau, at 0341/14077970.