Bus Baltica: Students Developing Sustainable Mobility Solutions in the Baltics

At the start of the 2024 fall semester, a remarkable collaboration project called the Bus Baltica 6-Day Sustainable Mobility Training Program took place, bringing together students and mentors from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The aim of the initiative was to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in modern transportation and urban mobility. The project was organized by the Chair of Entrepreneurship at the University of Tartu, in collaboration with Riga and Kaunas Technical Universities, and supported by EIT Urban Mobility. The Dutch consultancy and training company Kimitisik led the practical workshops, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and the opportunity to work on real-world tasks related to the Rail Baltica project.

Over six days, teams developed innovative solutions ranging from eco-friendly ideas, such as universal water bottle holders, to complex digital platforms aimed at enhancing the travel experience. One of the standout ideas came from Team EnterT[r]ain, which won first place with its entertainment solutions, offering interactive games and customized content on trains, particularly for children and families.

Participant Feedback: Why Was This Experience Special?

The project was intense, but participants highly valued the experience. Liisa Tulvik, a student from Viljandi Culture Academy, described her experience as inspiring. “Even though I went into the project with relatively low expectations, I found myself traveling across the Baltics and enjoying working with a diverse group of people," Liisa shared. She emphasized that the greatest value was in the interaction with people and developing an entrepreneurial mindset: “The project was more about learning and making new connections than simply finding a solution for Rail Baltica.”

Andres Soop, a doctoral student in economics, described the week as a true mental workout. “It felt like we were completely stuck, but after long days and spontaneous evening brainstorming sessions, a new and functioning idea was born,” Andres said. In his view, the cooperation between participants and the international networking were invaluable, contributing to professional growth in the future.

Mark Kauer, a business student, started the project modestly but found himself opening up and gaining confidence. "Bus Baltica made me a bolder communicator and gave me the confidence that I can successfully present my ideas," Mark stated. The project’s practical approach gave him new insights into the processes of business development and the importance of teamwork.

New Connections and Ideas for Future Mobility Solutions

One of the most important aspects of the project was the collaboration between students from various academic fields. Kertu Vuks, head of the Tartu Spatial Design Department, pointed out that this interdisciplinary approach enriched the project and offered new perspectives. "Students were able to exchange ideas and knowledge while creating new connections that could prove to be important in the future," she said.

Although the project focused on finding solutions for the future of Rail Baltica, participants highlighted that the experience was much more than that. It provided them with an opportunity to learn teamwork, develop entrepreneurial skills, and broaden their horizons while being both fun and challenging.

While the week passed quickly, Bus Baltica remains a valuable experience for its participants, offering plenty of new knowledge, friendships, and insights into the future of transportation. https://sites.google.com/kimitisik.eu/busbaltica/home