Learning Expeditions (LEX) are regional workshops designed to bring together SMEs, clusters, researchers and local stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore emerging trends and co-design innovative solutions. Within IDEALIST, each LEX is tailored to one of the project’s industrial ecosystems and aims to reinforce the resilience and innovation capacity of local value chains through hands-on visits, strategic foresight, and cross-border collaboration. Following the successful first editions in Zaragoza and Tuscany—where participants engaged in discussions on resilience, sustainability, digitalisation and supply-chain transformation—the latest LEX events in Silesia and Dresden continued to deepen this collaborative, future-oriented approach.
LEX #3 – Silesia (Katowice, Poland)
On 12–13 June 2025, IDEALIST held its third Learning Expedition in Katowice, Silesia, bringing together SMEs, clusters and innovation actors to explore the trends and technologies shaping the future of European industry.
The programme focused on three main themes: Industry Futures, with a foresight session based on Horizon Scanning results across aerospace, energy-intensive industries and mobility; Digital Technologies, exploring effective digital strategies for SMEs; and Drones, with a discussion on the real impact of UAV technologies in industrial ecosystems. Participants also took part in pitching and networking sessions, creating opportunities to present projects, discuss possible collaborations and strengthen interregional connections.
On the second day, participants visited WB Group – Flytronic, Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, and Urządzenia i Konstrukcje S.A., gaining first-hand insights into drone technologies, R&D activities and industrial manufacturing.
The Learning Expedition combined foresight, technology exchange, networking and direct industrial experience, helping participants connect emerging trends with concrete applications and cooperation opportunities.
Organizing Partners’ statements
“From our perspective as the Czech Aerospace Cluster, the opportunity to present our skills and capabilities on a global scale — with the added benefit of European cooperation — is truly valuable. […] The event was highly successful both professionally and personally. We gained many new contacts, showcased what we can do, and enjoyed excellent discussions in the very welcoming Silesian region. The factory visits reaffirmed that cooperation within such projects is essential for cluster development and for fostering international collaboration in the aviation industry.”
“As a committed partner of the IDEALIST project and co-organizer of the LEX3 Learning Expedition in Katowice, we strongly believe that initiatives like this are essential for Europe’s industrial transformation. […] We are convinced that fostering international cooperation, building new partnerships and sharing best practices in real industrial environments contributes directly to Europe’s resilience, supports the green transition and accelerates sustainable industrial growth.”
LEX #4 – Dresden (Germany)
On 29–30 October 2025, IDEALIST held its fourth Learning Expedition in Dresden, Germany, bringing together SMEs, clusters, researchers and innovation stakeholders to explore circular raw material systems, chemical innovation and rail technologies.
The programme combined conferences, keynote sessions, thematic panels and startup pitches with a dedicated B2B matchmaking session, giving participants the opportunity to meet potential partners, exchange expertise and explore concrete cooperation opportunities.
All aboard the Innovation Train
Ahead of the Learning Expedition, IDEALIST partner DITECFER helped connect Florence and Dresden through the LEADER2030 Innovation Train Journey & Rolling Conference, organised together with GKZ.
Starting from Florence on 27 October, the journey brought companies and stakeholders towards Dresden, with a stopover in Munich and a rail itinerary via Nuremberg, Erfurt and Leipzig. During the journey, participants took part in rolling discussions on supply needs, innovation, resilience and greater autonomy of European rail value chains.
This connection between the Innovation Train and the Dresden LEx created a practical bridge between two European initiatives addressing stronger and more resilient industrial value chains.
The second day included a visit to Wacker Chemie AG’s Nünchritz plant, where participants gained first-hand insights into industrial production, materials and innovation processes.
The Learning Expedition provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange, cross-sector networking and matchmaking, supporting new connections between actors from different European industrial ecosystems.
Organizing Partners’ statements
“It was a dense conference day with inspiring presentations on novel technologies and insights from various industrial sectors. […] The visit to the Wacker Chemie production site clearly showed the challenge and balancing act between sustainable production and obstacles such as high energy prices and supply chain dependencies.”
“I am proud to say that the IDEALIST Learning Expedition in Dresden was a great success. […] The expedition fostered cooperation, broadened perspectives, and catalysed collaboration among forward-looking SMEs.”
Participants’ testimonials
“I’m really glad I joined the LEx4 conference. It gave me valuable insights into the current state of critical raw materials and how it affects Europe’s progress and innovation. […] It’s been a win-win experience: industries gained awareness of our capabilities, and we identified new collaboration opportunities.” – Dr. Xaiza Aniban, ExoMatter GmbH
“Very well-organized event with an active community discussing relevant topics from both political and industrial angles. […] Deep insight into the current situation of crucial European industry like WACKER and their challenges.” – Dr. Micha Zauner, CEO, Deutsche E-Metalle
“A very interesting experience, with the opportunity to listen to several insights and testimonies from Central European actors. […] A great occasion to understand the challenges and vision of a major German industrial group.” – Marco Olivotto , Managing Director, LEF – Lean Experience Factory