Social Innovations for Sustainable Regional Development
Klaipeda University hosted the 22nd annual international scientific conference‚ 'Social Innovations for Sustainable Regional Development' on 7-9 May. Over the course of three days in Klaipeda, 96 researchers, representatives of higher education institutions, and practitioners discussed the role of social innovations in sustainable regional development, community strengthening, resilience, inclusion, and long-term change. The participants represented 58 institutions, about half of which were BUP participating universities, from 18 countries. This year’s conference was further strengthened by the involvement of The Baltic University Programme (BUP).
The Chair of the Scientific Committee of the conference, Prof. Dr. Ligita Šimanskienė, in welcoming the participants, emphasized that regional development today is no longer solely a matter of economic growth.
”It encompasses sustainability, inclusion, resilience, and innovations that truly improve people’s lives. Social innovations help transform complex ideas into real solutions—ones that communities can understand, accept, and use. Technology alone will not solve problems, nor will political decisions alone. Meaningful change is created through the connection of ideas, people, and collaboration”, said Prof. Dr. L. Šimanskienė.
A dedicated session for The Baltic University Programme (BUP) titled 'Smart, Social and Sustainable Tourism for Regional Competitiveness' was held during the conference, moderated by Prof. Dr. Daiva Labanauskaitė and Doc. dr. Eduardas Spiriajevas, Deputy Centre Director and Centre Director at the BUP National Centre in Lithuania.
During the conference, there was also a poster session. You can find the posters on the conference page on the Klaipeda University website.
Organiser voice
”This year's conference aimed to return from a hybrid format to in-person sessions held in university lecture halls. We are pleased that the support of the BUP contributed both to the promotion of the conference and to the geographical diversity of its participants.
The Social Innovations in Management and Economics section attracted the largest number of participants. The poster session also saw a slight increase in participation compared to previous years.
We look forward to welcoming our colleagues to Klaipeda University again next spring.”
- Alvyda Obrikiene, Member of the Conference Organising Committee
The participants and moderators pictured after the conclusion of the session 'Smart, Social and Sustainable Tourism for Regional Competitiveness'. Photo: Klaipeda University
Images from the conference
Photo: Klaipeda University
The participants at the conference were affiliated with about 60 different universities from all over the world, about half of which were BUP participating universities.
Photo: Klaipeda University
Prof. Dr. Daiva Labanauskaitė gave an introduction to the BUP and then moderated the first part of the BUP dedicated session 'Smart, Social and Sustainable Tourism for Regional Competitiveness'.
Photo: Klaipeda University
During the session focusing on tourism, Lina Nosevic, Klaipeda University, gave a presentation titled 'The Demand for Natural Healing Factors: Implications for Health Tourism Development in Lithuania'.