News
12 January, 2017
MRU in Central Europe – Great Place for Implementing Social Innovations
A recent international research project, financed by the European Commission, showed that Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) is one of the best universities in Central and Eastern Europe creating and implementing social innovations.
There were 170 universities in Central and Eastern Europe analysed including 8 in Lithuania. MRU was in first place. The Kaunas Technology University (KTU) was also mentioned and made it among the 30 best.
The research team included academics from U.K.'s Northampton University, the University of Iceland, Poland's Collegium Civets University and the international Social Business Association, "Ashoka."
Researchers analysed what social innovations are undertaken in institutions of higher education in Central and Eastern Europe and how these innovations are implemented together with business and public sector institutions and NGO's.
Social innovations are one of the most modern contemporary areas of research, which analyse and inspire various social processes and help people, groups, organisations and states overcome social challenges.
Lithuania has the only social innovations MRU LAB centre located in Vilnius.
According to MRU Vice-Rector for Education and Research Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, social innovation research and innovation activity is a priority area in the university.
The MRU LAB was established about 1 1/2 years ago on the campus of MRU. It is involved with social innovation creation and implementation by not only students, and researchers but also with the cooperation of business partners and governmental institutions.
More about the MRU Social Innovations LAB network here.