Synopsis
The presentation highlights key findings from the Interreg FREIIA project (2022–2025), focusing on sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation in small island communities across Northern Europe. The project engaged students in innovation and project management to address local development challenges through a design thinking-based framework.
Work Package 4 (WP4) emphasized student-driven processes, including interviews, analysis, ideation, and prototyping. The project identified common challenges across six islands—Hvaler, Schiermonnikoog, Bornholm, Koster, Groix, and Ouessant—such as youth outmigration, seasonal tourism dependency, housing shortages, and limited cross-sector collaboration.
Proposed solutions were tailored to each island’s context and included initiatives like mobile innovation hubs, decentralized education facilities, collaboration platforms, and sustainable transport systems. The project also emphasized the importance of local identity, circular economy education, and inclusive governance.
Key insights underline the need for year-round economic activity, stronger collaboration between public and private sectors, and youth engagement as a driver of resilience. The FREIIA project demonstrates how student-led innovation can foster sustainable development and empower communities to co-create solutions grounded in local needs and capacities.
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