Training Programme for Students on Green Transition, Communication and Entrepreneurship
Driving Sustainable Innovation is a certified interdisciplinary training programme that brings together students from diverse academic backgrounds to engage with the challenges and opportunities of the green transition. The course is conducted entirely in English and consists of four modules, each delivered by a different European partner university. Covering themes of sustainability, communication, entrepreneurship, and resilience, the programme combines theoretical input with interactive exercises, case studies, and independent assignments.
Students will gain insights into global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learn to communicate effectively with an ecological mindset, develop business models for sustainable start-ups, and explore strategies for resilience in times of uncertainty and digital transformation. The course culminates in a written assignment, ensuring that participants can reflect on and apply their knowledge in entrepreneurial and managerial contexts.
Agenda
The programme takes place in the winter semester 2025/26 and is structured into four online modules, each consisting of interactive block sessions and follow-up assignments. In total, the workload amounts to 90 hours, including interactive teaching, preparation, follow-up, and the final written paper.
Schedule of Sessions:
- Foundations of Green Transition and Sustainability – 20.10.2025, 16:00 – 21:00, Prof. Dr. Milena Valeva (University of Saarland, Germany) – Online
- Green Communication Skills (Part 1) – 05.11.2025, 16:30 – 19:00, Antonio Jesús Baeza (University of Alicante, Spain) – Online
- Green Communication Skills (Part 2) – 13.11.2025, 16:30 – 19:00, Antonio Jesús Baeza (University of Alicante, Spain) – Online
- Sustainable Start-Ups – 12.11.2025, 13:00 – 16:30, Prof. Dr. Jana Hojnik (University of Primorska, Slovenia) – Online
- Resilience in Economics and Management (Part 1) – 27.10.2025, 10:00 – 12:15, Dr. Inna Arakelova (Mariupol State University, Ukraine) – Online
- Resilience in Economics and Management (Part 2) – 17.11.2025, 10:00 – 12:15, Dr. Inna Arakelova (Mariupol State University, Ukraine) – Online
At the end of the programme, students of Saarland University are required to submit a 6–8 page paper addressing selected topics in sustainable entrepreneurship. Successful completion of all requirements awards 3 ECTS credits.
For whom?
The programme is open to students from all disciplines and degree levels. It is particularly suitable for those interested in sustainability, entrepreneurship, international collaboration, and future-oriented career paths. No prior subject-specific knowledge is required—curiosity, motivation, and an openness to interdisciplinary perspectives are the main prerequisites.
Why you should join in
By joining Driving Sustainable Innovation, you will:
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and the green transition.
- Learn to communicate effectively with an ecological and intercultural mindset.
- Develop and evaluate sustainable business models inspired by real-life start-up cases.
- Explore strategies for organisational resilience in volatile and uncertain environments.
- Strengthen your entrepreneurial and managerial competences while working in an international setting.
This programme not only equips you with future-oriented skills highly valued in business, politics, and society, but also allows you to actively contribute to shaping a responsible and sustainable future.
Register here. +++ Late entry is possible! Sessions are recorded. +++
