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)
Hosted by the Silesian Aviation Cluster in cooperation with the Czech Aerospace Cluster, LEX3 explored innovation at the intersection of aerospace, mobility & transport, and energy-intensive industrial sectors. Participants had the opportunity to discover advanced manufacturing solutions, drone technologies, digital tools, and the industrial strengths of the Silesian region. Visits to Flytronic, Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, and Urządzenia i Konstrukcje S.A. showcased cutting-edge R&D and production environments.
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)
Organised by Chemie-Cluster Bayern and GKZ Freiberg, the fourth Learning Expedition focused on raw materials supply, sustainability challenges, circularity, and technology loops within energy-intensive and advanced manufacturing sectors. The agenda included thematic presentations, startup pitches, cross-sector networking, and—most notably—a technical visit to Wacker Chemie’s high-purity polysilicon production site, which allowed participants to explore best practices in sustainable industrial processing.
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