Two years of twinning: Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University and University of East Anglia

Our core objective is to enhance the entrepreneurial infrastructure at PNU, leveraging UEA’s established enterprise framework. Over the last two years, we have developed an extensive capacity-building programme which included a range of activities delivered in the UK, Ukraine, and online. These activities included:

• Competition of Start-ups (May 2023): This programme involved five weeks of mentoring for start-ups, culminating in financial support for three winners, facilitated by UEA.
• Knowledge Exchange Visit (June 2023): A delegation of 17 PNU academics visited UEA, gaining insights into advanced enterprise practices.
• Hack Global (November 2023): An online hackathon involving students from UEA, PNU, Slovenia, and AGH, organised by PNU with support from UEA.
• Sync The City (November 2023): PNU participated in UEA’s award-winning 54-hour hackathon.
• Startup Accelerator Train the Trainer (March 2024): Six PNU staff members completed this programme, enhancing their capacity to train others.
• Tech Fusion (April 2024): UEA visited Ukraine to facilitate a deep tech hackathon and gain a better understanding of the local start-up ecosystem.
• Start-up School (May 2024): A series of lectures and workshops at PNU, focusing on nanotechnology, energy materials, and business strategies, supported by UEA.
• Climate Hack (June 2024): PNU played a mentoring role in a climate action hackathon.

Our entrepreneurship education activities have been continuously co-designed with our partners at PNU in Ukraine to ensure they align with and meet the specific needs of their institution and external context. Recognising that UEA had a more advanced student enterprise programme, PNU was eager to adopt and adapt feasible best practices, especially considering the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

We have delivered our activities through a blend of face-to-face and online formats. It began with planning a visit from PNU to UEA. The visit showcased a wide range of enterprise activities, which PNU then used to identify the areas that would be most beneficial.

The primary goal of our collaboration has been to enhance student access to entrepreneurship education, which is crucial for stimulating economic recovery post-war. Our approach and the tools we use are rooted in the lean start-up methodology, which is particularly effective in dynamic and resource-constrained environments.

At the International Conference on Entrepreneurship Education, held from 4–6 September 2024 in Belfast, the UEA-PNU partnership was honoured with the National Enterprise Educators Award 2024. This recognition was awarded in the ‘Enterprise for Good’ category for the project ‘Preparing the Ground for Economic Renewal: Academics to Innovators – Students to Entrepreneurs’. This category celebrates outstanding efforts in driving positive social and economic change through entrepreneurial education.

• Finbarr Carter, UEA Enterprise Centre: "Our UEA-PNU entrepreneurship education work features several innovative and novel aspects. It is unique for universities to partner with institutions in countries experiencing conflict, and UEA's commitment to demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine by establishing and maintaining this partnership is a testament to our innovative approach. This direct engagement not only strengthens our partnership but also ensures that our initiatives are tailored to the real-time needs and conditions faced by Ukrainian students and educators.

   

  "From the Ukrainian perspective, our approach is novel in how it adapts Western entrepreneurship education models to fit the specific challenges and opportunities of a country in conflict. This includes a focus on resilience, resourcefulness, and rebuilding, which are critical for Ukraine's recovery and growth. By integrating the lean start-up methodology, we provide students with a practical, adaptable framework that emphasises rapid experimentation, customer feedback, and efficient use of resources—skills that are particularly valuable in a war-affected economy.

   

  "Given the current situation, our emphasis on developing enterprise awareness, an entrepreneurial mindset, and capability is both innovative and practical. This phased approach builds a strong foundation for long-term economic contributions once stability is restored. Overall, our collaboration not only aims to impart entrepreneurial skills to Ukrainian students but also to foster a spirit of innovation and resilience, helping to stimulate economic recovery and address social challenges in Ukraine.

   

  "From the UK perspective, we have learnt how to combine entrepreneurship with deep tech knowledge and skills. We have also been inspired and seek to replicate the civic approach PNU takes to their enterprise education, where they aim to grow the wider ecosystem and make a difference to the local area."
   

• Finbarr Carter, UEA Enterprise Centre: "During the Knowledge Exchange visit (June 2023) and Train the Trainer (March 2024), we worked with a small team of visiting academics, which had a significant impact on their teaching and learning."
• Iryna Piatnychuk, Dean of the Faculty of Management at PNU: "We've explored new ways of training and educating our students and staff, the implementation of which will positively impact our institution as a whole."
• Valentyna Yakubiv, First Vice-Rector of PNU: "It has significantly influenced my teaching and learning practices. I've gained valuable insights into innovative pedagogical methods, which have enhanced my ability to engage students."

In terms of the difference it has made in supporting pre-starts, start-ups, and growing ventures, colleagues at PNU said the following:

• Tetiana Hrynyshak, Head of the Educational and Scientific Center for Project Research at PNU: "It has fostered interdisciplinary skills, provided practical insights, and enhanced teamwork and sustainability awareness. This has better equipped me to support entrepreneurialism."
• Antonina Tomashevska, Head of the Department of Management and Business Administration at PNU: "I've gained a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to better support individuals at different stages of their business journey."
• Nataliia Pitei, Assistant of the Department of Management and Business Administration at PNU: "We have become more well-versed in detecting successful start-up ideas and exploring ways of their implementation."

Sync The City (November 2023) and Start-up Accelerator (March 2024) allowed Ukrainian academics to gain experience working with start-ups in the UK and to incorporate this practice into the curriculum at PNU. One such example of an outcome was Global Hack (November 2023)—an online hackathon for students from UEA, PNU, Slovenia, and Poland, organised by PNU. Five student ideas were additionally funded for further development. In addition, three teams formed at Global Hack are working on creating a FabLab centre where they will work with 3D devices and lasers. 

• Competition of Start-ups (May 2023): "Participating in the Competition of Startups was the first such experience for me. The five weeks of mentoring provided by UEA experts were incredibly insightful. Our team refined our business model and honed our pitching skills. Winning second place was fantastic, but the real victory was the knowledge and confidence we gained. This experience has definitely accelerated our entrepreneurial journey. 500 pounds was a great motivation to continue" (Olena, PNU student)
• Hack Global (November 2023): "Hack Global was my first international hackathon, and it surpassed all my expectations. Collaborating online with students from UEA, Slovenia, and Poland broadened my perspective immensely. We tackled real-world problems and developed solutions within tight deadlines. The mentorship and teamwork transcended borders, and I made lasting connections. It was an unforgettable experience that enhanced both my technical and soft skills." (Kateryna, PNU student) 
• Sync The City (November 2023): "Travelling to UEA for Sync The City was a cool adventure. The 54-hour hackathon pushed us to our limits but in the best way possible. We turned a simple idea into a viable product in just two days! The energy was electrifying, and the support from mentors was invaluable. This event not only boosted my entrepreneurial skills but also inspired me to think bigger about my future projects. Also I loved Norwich city!”  (Tetiana, PNU student)
• Start-up School (May 2024): "The lectures on nanotechnology and energy materials were very interesting! And the business strategy workshops were immediately applicable. Collaborating with UEA staff brought a new dimension to the learning experience. I now feel equipped to launch my own start-up." (Maria, PNU student)
• Climate Hack (June 2024): "The event was well-organised, and the enthusiasm of the participants was contagious. This experience reinforced my passion for environmental initiatives and honed my leadership skills. And Finbarr was a real star!" (Sergiy, PNU student)

Commenting on the recent National Enterprise Educators award, Professor Matthias Neumann stated:

Dr Iryna Hryhoruk, Head of Research and Development at PNU, added: