The University of Szczecin has joined the international AI-CIRCLE project, implemented under Horizon Europe. The initiative combines the potential of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the circular economy, strengthening the university’s role in the European network of research excellence and cooperation with business and the social environment.
The AI-CIRCLE project is an international initiative developed under Horizon Europe, in the European Excellence Initiative (EEI) competition, aimed at strengthening the research excellence of universities in widening countries by combining digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the circular economy. The project is strategic in nature and responds to the growing need to modernize research management, develop staff competencies, and build stronger links between science, business, and the regional environment. The project is planned for 48 months, with a total budget of 4,999,543.75 EUR. The budget allocated to the University of Szczecin as a consortium partner is 361,875.00 EUR.
AI-CIRCLE focuses on enabling universities in the widening countries to more effectively develop their scientific and organizational potential while actively participating in the European Research Area. The project aims to develop modern solutions in research management, consistent with the principles of CoARA, open science, and data-driven management. A key element of the project is the creation of more transparent and modern models for assessing scientific achievements, developing academic career paths, and implementing digital, human-supervised processes to support institutional decisions. The project also includes training for over 150 university staff, and the overall development program will involve over 250 participants.
The project also has a strong practical dimension. In addition to reforms and development activities at universities, it envisages collaboration with 24 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that will participate in pilot projects implementing AI-based solutions and circular business models. The pilot projects will cover five sectors: cultural and creative industries, food systems, hospitality, transport and mobility, and the built environment and energy systems. Thanks to this, the project combines the development of academic potential with real socio-economic needs and strengthens the role of universities as partners in innovation.
The essence of AI-CIRCLE is also the creation of a European network of excellence, connecting universities, businesses, regional authorities, and innovation-supporting institutions. The project assumes a two-way flow of knowledge: universities contribute expertise in AI, data, and sustainable development, while businesses provide practical experience and feedback, allowing for better alignment of research and innovation development directions with real-world challenges. The sustainability of the results will be supported by the Twin Transition Innovation Hub (TTIH), which will serve as a platform for collaboration, dissemination of results, valorization of knowledge, and strengthening the project’s impact on regional and European development.
From the university’s perspective, participation in the project offers the opportunity to strengthen staff competencies, internationalize collaboration, and increase visibility in the European scientific community. Project activities are expected to translate into improved quality of science management, greater institutional readiness to participate in future international projects, and the development of a more innovative and open organizational culture. The participation of the University of Szczecin is particularly significant here, as its team is engaged in activities related to communication, dissemination of results, ecosystem cooperation, and knowledge valorization. In the project’s descriptive section, the SCIN partner, the University of Szczecin, is identified as the institution conducting activities in the areas of communication, ecosystem engagement, and valorization.
AI-CIRCLE aligns with the European Union’s key priorities related to the European Research Area, the European Green Deal, and the Digital Decade. The project aims to strengthen the quality of research and innovation in widening countries, develop inter-institutional collaboration, increase the attractiveness of universities as research partners, and support the creation of more inclusive, effective innovation ecosystems. The project documentation also emphasizes its importance for increasing productivity, supporting the green transition, and creating new development opportunities for SMEs and start-ups.
The project is being implemented by 12 partners from various European countries, including 11 universities and one business partner. The universities participating in the consortium are:
- Bursa Uludag Universitesi (Turkey),
- Rigas Tehniska Universitate (Latvia),
- University of Maribor (Slovenia),
- University of Szczecin (Poland),
- University of Minho (Portugal),
- Ethnicon Metsovion Polytechnion (Greece),
- Atlantic Technological University (Ireland),
- University of Leon (Spain),
- Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (Netherlands),
- Westfalische Hochschule Gelsenkirchen, Bocholt, Recklinghausen (Germany),
- Karlstads Universitet (Sweden).
An additional non-academic partner of the consortium is CRS Laghi SRL from Italy. The University of Szczecin’s participation in this group strengthens the university’s international position and its presence in European research, innovation, and implementation networks.
This information was prepared by dr hab. Tomasz Bernat, prof. US of the Institute of Economics and Finance.
