# Building Resilience Through International Collaboration: Savonia at FH JOANNEUM Staff Week 2026

> A central message of was that resilience depends on understanding the interconnections between critical sectors.

## Overview
From 18–22 May 2026, representatives of Savonia University of Applied Sciences participated in the FH JOANNEUM International Staff Week in Graz, Austria. Organized under the EU4Dual alliance, the event brought together more than 30 experts from five continents and 13 countries to explore the interconnected themes of Energy, Security, and Society.

Savonia was represented by:
* **Pia Viklund**, Project Director of the Centre of Excellence for Comprehensive Security
* **Ville Berg**, Lecturer

## The Finnish Comprehensive Security Model
The event opened with a keynote presentation on the Finnish comprehensive security model and the preparation of the Centre of Excellence (CoE). The session explored links between the Finnish model and the European Union’s Preparedness Union Strategy, highlighting how whole-of-society approaches strengthen resilience. The presentation sparked discussions involving experiences from various countries, including Ukraine and Israel.

## Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience
Cybersecurity was a recurring theme throughout the week. Ville Berg facilitated a workshop focusing on the modern threat landscape and the critical role of human behavior in cyber resilience, covering topics such as password security and phishing awareness. 

Practical sessions at FH JOANNEUM’s Institute of Software Design and Security included a workshop titled “How to Hack a Server in Four Commands,” providing hands-on insights into cybersecurity awareness and continuity management.

## Energy and Industry Perspectives
Sessions on energy security examined risks associated with blackouts and the role of data-driven solutions. Participants visited the Energy Analytics and Solution Lab to observe how these solutions support preparedness. Additionally, a visit to the Gösser Brewery in Leoben provided an industry perspective on:
* Self-sufficiency
* Supply-chain resilience
* Business continuity

## Healthcare and Societal Resilience
The program addressed healthcare resilience through:
* **Simulation Exercises:** Participants engaged in high-fidelity simulation exercises organized by FH JOANNEUM’s health care department to improve decision-making in complex situations.
* **Patient Safety:** A workshop led by Portalegre Polytechnic University (Portugal) focused on hand hygiene as a fundamental practice for healthcare safety.

## International Collaboration and Future Outlook
The Staff Week served as a platform for strengthening international networks. Savonia identified several avenues for future collaboration with institutions in:
* Ukraine
* Uganda
* Portugal
* Denmark
* Germany

Potential areas for cooperation include benchmarking, health and social care development, information security, and broader European resilience initiatives. The event underscored the role of the EU4Dual alliance in fostering interdisciplinary learning and cross-border cooperation to address complex societal challenges.