On May 2017 the third ECOSTAR mobility exchange took place between Etifor and the University of Manchester.
Colm O’Driscoll, Etifor team member, describes his exchange:
“My ECOSTAR Etifor-UoM Staff Mobility Exchange was my first trip to Manchester. I was to represent Etifor at the University of Manchester for one week. The idea was to share, and improve my own personal experience and knowledge and improve university-business opportunities. The focus was on innovative and entrepreneurial, impact-based opportunities. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by my host, Dr. Ron Chan, a lecturer and researcher in the Manchester Department of Environmental Economics. Ron immediately set me up with my agenda for the week, and managed all the logistical issues. The programme was set and each event planned with a touch of opportunistic potential. The four main events included were: Urban Planning Workshop, Environmental Economics Workshop, my own, Innovation Workshop and a business meeting with RICARDO. At each event, ECOSTAR – The Nature-Accelerator and the innovation report was presented to give some background.
I would like to say that each event led to potential opportunities; “The Magic Carpet” project; Professor Jason Shorgen (ENDOW); getting students to enroll in the e-learning course, which is now open for application; increase in our mentor network. All in all, I was very happy with the outcome of the exchange, I met new contacts and have increased the interest in the Nature-Accelerator.“
