Hi everyone! My name is Olga and I am a 21-year-old Computer Science student from Greece. I am currently an IVY Project Partner for the HELIX-SMART project in Corfu, and my host organization is the Ionian University.
HELIX-SMART is an Interreg Project between Greece and Italy that aims to strengthen and support innovation and digital transformation in SMEs in both regions. The project focuses on helping businesses integrate digital technologies, develop new digital skills, and create innovative products and collaborations.
As a volunteer, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in many different aspects of the project. I have been invited to attend meetings between all project partners, which has given me a better understanding of how projects of this scale are coordinated and how partners from different countries can work together towards achieving a common goal. I have also contributed to the communication and visibility of the project, by creating social media posts, as well as suggesting and outlining future ones and helping create newsletters.
Additionally, I’ve been given the opportunity to contribute to the more technical aspects of HELIX-SMART. I have assisted with the design of the project’s Digital Twin platform and have suggested activities for the Living Labs. Currently I am focusing on supporting the creation and curation of the material for the project’s E-Learning platform, which is being developed to help SME owners and employees improve and expand their digital skills and knowledge.
What pleasantly surprised me is how welcoming and willing everyone has been to listen to my ideas and thoughts. While I’m still learning a lot from this experience, I am treated as a valued and knowledgeable member of the team. The best part is being able to see the project’s real-world impact and being able to be a small part of that.
I am excited to continue contributing to HELIX-SMART and to see how the different parts of the project develop. This experience has been an amazing opportunity for me to learn, as well as contribute, and see the difference such a project can make at a regional level.
– Olga, IVY Project Partner at the Ionian University, for the Interreg Greece – Italy project HELIX-SMART – excellence Hubs Enhancing Linkages and Innovation for X-border ecosystems and SMART transition
