The overall purpose of the project has been to increase awareness of sustainability among our students, primarily among students from “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” study line. Among other things, this is to take place by involving sustainability a major subject in relation to the students’ entrepreneurial activities in this particular study line, including their participation in the so-called Company Program. Another goal has been to make students understand that sustainability comes in many forms – be it economic, environmental or social sustainability. A further goal has been to include the knowledge gathered in the organization so that Mercantec can continue its strategic work with the UN’s global goals. Finally, it has been wished to strengthen the students’ cultural competences through visits to Lithuania and Sweden and the visit by students from these two countries in Viborg.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important – locally and globally. As an education institution, Mercantec wishes to assume responsibility in creating a sustainable world. This is reflected in the fact that the UN’s 17 world goals form part of the institution’s strategic plan where the tuition is to help achieve the goals. Mercantec aims at form and educate young people so the have an education that will support a sustainable development. This means that young people will be ready for today’s and tomorrow’s labour markets where sustainability will be an increasingly important parameter. The development towards a more sustainable world requires that our students gain an insight into and knowledge about both local and international initiatives. Hence, participation in cross-border projects is important so that good, local initiatives, through increased knowledge, can spread to other countries. Finally, innovative thinking and approaches are required in business, public institutions and our private lives – this being the reasons for including students from the study line called Innovation and Entrepreneurship.