The LINC project is about internationalization of research and higher education in the Baltic Sea region and the Eastern Partnership countries. It will focus on an ongoing research project about blue-green infrastructure, as a case for international collaborations.
LINC suggests there is a lack of academic partnerships between Europe’s East and West. For example, academics lack experience in international research and familiarity with international research traditions. Also, there is a lack of staff enthusiasm and engagement for research collaborations between the East and West. LINC argues that academic institutions need to expand the international dimension to accomplish their educational and research missions. Therefore, it wants to strengthen the capacities of academics and students through co-development of joint research methodologies and practices, and facilitate communication and experience-sharing between universities. Junior and senior staff will work together on evidence-based knowledge for sustainable and attractive living environments in Europe’s East and West. The idea is that interactions across the borders will facilitate interpersonal and intercultural communication. The results will include network-building, a web-based communication platform and better understanding of diversity in higher education organizations in Europe’s East and West.