Azerbaijani, German experts discuss future of smart cities in Cottbus - PHOTO

On June 5, a conference was held in the German city of Cottbus, organized by the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany, the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS). As part of the conference, representatives of the participating academic institutions and experts held extensive discussions on the topic (Smart Education in Smart Cities: Challenges and Solutions).

During discussions on the contribution of educational institutions to achieving sustainable development in smart cities through the use of modern technologies and innovative approaches, as well as addressing existing challenges, the importance of international cooperation was particularly emphasized. In this context, academic staff from the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, together with experts working in this field, presented a newly established cooperation platform, CE Report informs.

The aim of this platform is to expand collaboration between educational institutions in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal Republic of Germany, while jointly addressing issues related to innovation and sustainable development. Discussions also focused on the training of specialists in infrastructure, construction, and architecture who meet modern requirements, as well as on how these professionals can contribute to the economies of both countries in the future.

We sought the views of members of the academic staff of Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg participating in the event regarding the directions of cooperation and future prospects. In an interview, Dr. Eduard Völker of BTU spoke about cooperation between Azerbaijani and German universities and the training of specialists.

“The cooperation between the two institutions has very high potential. Student participation in exchange programs and the development of joint projects are truly important and highly beneficial. In any case, this helps both countries move forward and further deepen their relations.”

Eduard Völker – Researcher at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU)

Professor Sylvio Simon of Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg also commented on the planned cooperation between Azerbaijani and German educational and research institutions in the field of science and technology.

“Yes, I can very well imagine such cooperation. The scientific achievements of the researchers who earned their doctoral degrees at my faculty alone demonstrate that they can become outstanding specialists.”

Sylvio Simon – Professor at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU)

Speaking about the newly emerging cooperation platform between the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Brandenburg University of Technology, and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS), Professor Constanze Tschöpe stated:

“I view this very positively and am delighted about it. I am also pleased that we were able to be among the initiators of this initiative. Of course, I hope that this cooperation will become even more intensive and deeper in the future, and that many joint ideas and projects will emerge.”

Professor Tschöpe explained that combining the experience of scientific institutions and industry offers the greatest contribution to addressing the challenges that will arise in the smart cities of the future.

“In my opinion, there is such a wealth of experience and expertise on every side—both at the universities and at the institute—in different fields that it would be highly beneficial to bring them together through this kind of cooperation.”

“I believe this will create a very productive partnership, and as I mentioned earlier, many successful and promising projects can emerge from this collaboration. That is precisely why I see great potential in combining the knowledge and expertise presented here today by all participants toward a common goal.”

Constanze Tschöpe – Professor and Researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS)