A new education model in sustainable energy

The European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT) has selected knowledge and innovation community (KIC) InnoEnergy as the leading engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainable energy in Europe. Since 2010, KIC InnoEnergy Master School has offered Master’s degree programs, which are directed at a new type of education in the energy field, aimed at mobilising the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the students. Seven Master’s programs, accredited by top technical universities in Europe, offer a combination of engineering and entrepreneurship courses. This paper describes a new mechanism for the development of a teaching environment, which creates strong links between education, technology, business and entrepreneurship. The paper also emphasises the main distinguishing features of KIC InnoEnergy education and gives examples of the application of new pedagogical methods.