The theme was based on the recent Smart Parks report published by the Connected Communities Research Lab (CCRL) and focused on current challenges faced by national parks.

During the 2-day event the EBIN students worked intensively in multi-disciplinary teams to propose solutions to challenges in areas including sustainable transport, industrial heritage, enhanced visitor experience, data management and business intelligence.

The students were given the opportunity to interact and learn from experts-in-residence from major international technology companies and public sector organisations including the EIC, Huawei and the Lake District National Park Authority. One of the participating students commented:

“I have done many consultancy projects previously. I thought, well, this was just going to be another consulting mock-up. Then I realised, I was utterly completely wrong. I acquired new skills that I didn't imagine before [such as] instant team building, new leadership and working style, agility and design thinking. I can keep mentioning more, but those 3 skills are the most valuable to me.”

For more information see www.connected.community

Email j.sutanto@lancaster.ac.uk