The Steinbeis Innovation gGmbH – Innovation Centre “European Projects” is an institution of the Steinbeis-Foundation which was founded by the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg based on a concept first developed by its patron Ferdinand von Steinbeis (1807-1893). Ferdinand von Steinbeis set up a variety of vocational colleges in Baden-Württemberg aimed at fostering dual educational and vocational training for young people. This is a form of education where students get a formal education and practical work training together.
The top level of the Steinbeis Network includes; the Steinbeis Foundation, the Board, the Board of Trustees, and the Board of Trustees Committee. It is responsible for the central coordination. The institutions of the Steinbeis Group are mostly located at research institutions, universities, technical colleges, and vocational academies. These can be in Germany or in other countries. University professors and experienced practitioners work as advisors and consultants. They work with: companies, public and non-profit organizations, the federal and state government, and local communities. The Steinbeis Innovation Centre “European Projects” works mostly with intercultural projects. These projects are for life-long learning; this includes work education, non-formal, and informal learning. Providing intercultural learning opportunities with a European dimension has many benefits. The benefits are: it promotes the development of individual initiative (to be proactive) and enterprise (to solve problems in new ways) and creativity. It also promotes employment, integration, social advancement, and mobility within Europe. Since 1998, workers at the Steinbeis Innovation Centre have advised different institutions about operating the European Union Youth Programme volunteer projects. The Steinbeis Innovation Centre “European Projects” was also involved in different GRUNDTVIG- and LEONARDO DA VINCI Programme projects. Steinbeis was a partner organization and applicant.
Website: www.steinbeis.de