How can universities build stronger connections with their local communities while contributing to innovation, sustainability, and regional growth? This question was at the heart of the SUNRISE Staff Week hosted by unibz, which brought together 13 colleagues from partner universities for a week of exchange, learning, and networking.

The programme offered participants a comprehensive insight into the unique role of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano within South Tyrol’s multilingual and multicultural context. Through presentations, discussions, and site visits, participants explored topics ranging from multilingual education and knowledge transfer to entrepreneurship, public engagement, and collaboration with local institutions and businesses.

Prof. Jo Angouri, from the University of Warwick, shared the experience of EUTOPIA Alliance and how this elder Alliance coped with diversity and effective cooperation.

A particular highlight was the visit to NOI Techpark and unibz labs, where participants discovered how cooperation between academia, industry, and innovation ecosystems can drive regional development and create opportunities for students, researchers, and companies alike.

The Staff Week also showcased unibz’s Third Mission activities, demonstrating how universities can extend their impact beyond teaching and research by engaging with society, supporting lifelong learning, and fostering innovation. Sessions with university services and the local regional authority, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, provided opportunities to exchange good practices and identify new avenues for collaboration within the SUNRISE Alliance.

The programme extended beyond academic and professional activities, offering participants a taste of South Tyrol’s rich cultural heritage. Visits to the 12th-century Novacella Abbey, together with a traditional South Tyrolean dinner, helped build lasting personal connections and reinforce institutional partnerships.

Participants praised the diversity of contributions, which offered valuable insights into the region’s unique and multifaceted context while highlighting the university’s role as a catalyst for innovation. Equally appreciated were the many opportunities for networking and exchange, fostered by a welcoming atmosphere, excellent food, and stimulating conversations.