When it comes to fresh inspiration, there were plenty of ideas and insights to tap into during this month’s online meeting for ERW National Coordinators. Long-established NCs Fiorella Operto (Italy), Imre Paniti (Hungary) and George Georgiou (Cyprus) all shared their perspectives on the role, challenges and opportunities for national coordinators. In particular, George offered these simple down-to-earth steps for anyone starting to set up activities for ERW as an NC:
- Identify the ecosystem and its stakeholders
- Work the ecosystem – offer a win-win for stakeholders (what’s in it for them?)
- Don’t reinvent the wheel! – adapt past events to other regional and cultural preferences
There have to be benefits for NCs themselves, too, so it becomes a win-win for everyone. So what are those benefits? Among benefits mentioned were: a raised national profile, strengthened partnerships, personal growth, leadership visibility, and enhanced access to collaboration and project opportunities.
Involvement in ERW can act as a gateway to new educational and research partnerships. However small they are, all events organised as part of European Robotics Week, are worth registering (via the euRobotics ERW events map).
Altogether, the call gave National Coordinators a lot to think about.
Final word to George: Whatever you do, celebrate all efforts, and keep it fun, community-driven and inclusive.”