SCOM meeting, Villach, Austria - January 26, 2026

From January 26–28, 2026, an SCOM meeting was held in Villach, Austria. The meeting was hosted by FACHHOCHSCHULE KÄRNTEN, Carinthia of Applied Sciences and supported by two representatives of our partner institution, Klaus Friedrich and Kathrin Stainer-Hämmerle.

Agenda – Day 1

14:00–14:15 Opening (RIT Croatia)

14:15–14:30 Status report (RIT Croatia)

14:30–17:00 SO1: Capacity Building and Skills Upscaling in the Danube Bioeconomy Sector (SO leader: PP9 SASS)

A1.1 Creation of the European Bioeconomy and Precision Farming Network at the Danube level (Activity leader: PP9 SASS)

– Activity completed; RIT provided an overview

D.1.1.1 Three network work reports (PP9 SASS)

D.1.1.2 Five capacity-building materials published by thematic working groups (RIT Croatia)

A1.2 Development of a joint study and action plan addressing opportunities and challenges for small family farms in the bioeconomy and precision farming fields (RIT Croatia)

D.1.2.1 Joint study and action plan developed and published (RIT Croatia)

A1.3 Development of the joint curriculum (RIT Croatia)

D.1.3.1 Report with conclusions from a 5-day Bootcamp for project partners (RIT Croatia)

Before the working session began, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Thomas Fenzl, addressed the participants. He emphasized the importance of small family farms, sustainability, and agriculture for the Carinthia region. He also presented the university’s future plans to further integrate digital technologies into the curriculum.

Following his speech, the meeting continued according to the agenda. Martin Žagar opened the discussion, and Kristina Soric followed with an explanation of how the project lead, RIT Croatia, will prepare the first of three reports on the network of external experts.