The challenges of managing and mitigating climate change require innovative solutions from multidisciplinary professionals across transnational boundaries. Universities require to respond to the changing needs of industry and develop graduates competent in delivering these solutions. This Strategic Partnership aims to produce a range of learning activities and outcomes that will meet these challenges - i.e. develop employability (including transversal) skills of University students and staff, in an international, multicultural and interdisciplinary setting. These “International competencies” include the following (Hoven & Walenkamp, 2013; 2015):• General, personal and social competencies• Intercultural competencies• International academic competencies• International professional competenciesThe specific aim of this strategic partnership is to enhance students' International competencies for the renewable energy sector as this is a growth area that features prominently in Europe’s policy framework (EU http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/2030/index_en.htm).Objectives:1 Develop a diagnostic tool in the form of an App which will:a. Establish an understanding of the International competencies required of new graduates for the European renewables industryb. Enable students to diagnose and track their individual stage of development in these competencies during the project2 Develop innovative learning approaches to interdisiplinary and multicultural participation in a 'real world' renewable energy project that enhances communication, teamworking and leadership skills3 Deliver and evaluate an industry informed intensive study period for 39 multidisciplinary students from 3 EU countries (repeated annually for 3 years)4 Track the effect of these learning activities on participants' graduate job search strategies and first job after graduation 5 Develop a 5 ECTS credit module that will be integrated into partner institution's curriculumPartnersThe strategic partners are Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland), Lahti University of Applied Sciences (Finland), The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) and Constructonarium (Scotland) Ltd. Each partner has specific skills and experience and has worked together over several years. A wider group of Industrial working partners in the renewables sector will be involved in the employability skills requirements and assessments.ActivitiesThe activities will include stakeholder consultations in 3 countries to clarify the needs of the renewables industry. This will help inform the development of the International Competencies assessment methodology and a range of learning activities. Most of the learning activities will be undertaken during a 10 day Intensive Study Programme in Scotland in May 2017 (Finland in 2018 and Netherlands in 2019). This includes site visits, industry lectures, role play, group work and cultural activities. It will culminate in the construction and erection of a mini renewable energy facility eg windfarmMethodologyThe project follows a 3 year cycle with the output of an Intensive Study Period being a key milestone for each year. The project has therefore been planned in accordance with the Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle thus ensuring continuous improvement throughout the project lifespan.Results and ImpactThe project's results are diverse. There will be a needs assessment of the Renewable Energy Sector; the development of an International Competency App (a methodology to assess potential employability); reports on the students' Competencies before, during and after the learning activities; the development of a 5 ECTS credit module; journal articles, website, videos, training materials. Local impacts will include Students being better prepared for working life; HE staff being closer to industry and having an improved understanding of key employability skills sought by industry and industry receiving graduates that are better prepared for employment. Wider impacts should be realised through the dissemination strategy including stakeholder feedback, seminars, online materials, articles and conference papers. The results will contribute to 3 of the key targets of Europe 2020.Potential long term benefitsThe App will be available for all interested parties and help produce a more reflective approach to the development of employability skills/international competencies. The project should bring Universities and Industry closer together which may spawn future initiatives. The international element in the cooperation will be of significant added value for all parties concerned: students, universities and companies. Through the development and exchange of this good practice via international industrial networks, Society in general will also be a long term benificiary.