Increasing interdependence between the European Union (EU) and the Asia Pacific region provides crucial opportunities and critical challenges that demand an in-depth understanding and specialized knowledge of current interregional affairs. The proposed Jean Monnet network on “EU-Asia Pacific dialogue: promoting European integration and mutual knowledge across continents” (EUNAP) aims to provide a thematic platform on EU-Asia Pacific relations by establishing a multidisciplinary academic network of experts and researchers. The specific objectives of the project are the following:-To enhance EU’s visibility and understanding across Asia Pacific region through close academic cooperation between High Education institutions.-To reinforce mutual knowledge by stimulating multidisciplinary analysis and joint research that will involve, not only academics, but also civil society and policy makers in both regions.-To provide an intellectual platform for disseminating major scientific outputs on EU-Asia Pacific dialogue across academic communities in participating institutions and across the world.The expected outputs include:-Publication of papers by PhD candidates in 3 special issues of scientific journals (CED, ANZJES and APJ of EU Studies).-Research stays for PhD students in universities within the network.-Four workshops and one international conference.-Research stays for post-doctoral researchers within the network.-Joint publications (research briefings, working papers, joint panel papers).-Submission of joint panels to EUSA-AP conferences.-Updated online tools.As major outcomes, the project envisages:-Promotion of EU knowledge across Asia Pacific. -Reinforced synergies between High Education institutions from both regions.-Involvement of PhD students and young researchers in scientific activities and outputs.-Enhanced awareness of EU's political significance and its international role by civil society and policy makers in both regions.

Ensuring social, economic and environmental sustainability is one major aim of all the countries but priorities are not the same world over. The partner countries, China and Thailand, are fast growing economies attracting significant Foreign Direct Investment but facing a number of social and environmental challenges. Growing cities, expanding industry and increasing pollution of air, water and soil are big problems in both the countries which have several adverse effects on the society, environment and sustainable development.Applications of Geospatial technologies and methodologies in socio-economic analysis, natural resource management, economic planning, environmental management, sustainable developmental planning etc. have been well established during the last decades. However, Higher Education Institutions face a challenge of producing ‘ready-to-deliver’ Geospatial graduates.There are 3 main driving forces of Geospatial education i.e.:- Geospatial Application fields / Domains- Geospatial Data- Geospatial Technologies / ToolsThe interplay of the 3 driving forces is multilateral and reciprocal. The dynamics change in a matter of months, weeks and even in days requiring ‘fit-for-job‘ Geospatial workforce. However, HEIs fall behind in responding to the new job-requirements because they can't change curricula every month or year to incorporate new developments. As a result, by the time fresh graduates enter into the job-market, their skills are largely outdated or missing.The project envisages following outcomes:- Curricular structure, syllabi and teaching/learning materials of 20 problem-oriented case-studies based modules for PG level Geospatial study programmes.- 50 faculty members Professionally trained in delivering the modules.- 150 students with enhanced transversal skills through ‘hands-on’ practical experience of working with the applications of these modules.- An e-Learning platform facilitating free and open access to the modules worldwide.

On a daily basis huge amounts of geospatial data and information that record location is created across a wide range of environmental, engineered and social systems. Globally approximately 2 quintillion bytes of data is generated daily which is location based. The economic benefits of geospatial data and information have been widely recognised, with the global geospatial industry predicted to be worth $500bn by 2020. In the UK the potential benefits of 'opening' up geospatial data is estimated by the government to be worth an additional £11bn annually to the economy and led to the announcement of a £80m Geospatial Commission. However, if the full economic benefits of the geospatial data revolution are to be realised, a new generation of geospatial engineers, scientists and practitioners are required who have the knowledge, technical skills and innovation to transform our understanding of the ever increasingly complex world we inhabit, to deliver highly paid jobs and economic prosperity, coupled with benefits to society. To seize this opportunity, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Geospatial Systems will deliver technically skilled doctoral graduates equipped with an industry focus, to work across a diverse range of applications including infrastructure systems, smart cities, urban-infrastructure resilience, energy systems, spatial mobility, structural monitoring, spatial planning, public health and social inclusion. Doctoral graduates will be trained in five core integrated geospatial themes: Spatial data capture and interpretation: modern spatial data capture and monitoring approaches, including Earth observation satellite image data, UAVs and drone data, and spatial sensor networks; spatial data informs us on the current status and changes taking place in different environments (e.g., river catchments and cities). Statistical and mathematical methods: innovative mathematical approaches and statistical techniques, such as predictive analytics, required to analyse and interpret huge volumes of geospatial data; these allow us to recognise and quantify within large volumes of data important locations and relationships. Big Data spatial analytics: cutting edge computational skills required for geospatial data analysis and modelling, including databases, cloud computing, pattern recognition and machine learning; modern computing approaches are the only way that vast volumes of location data can be analysed. Spatial modelling and simulation: to design and implement geospatial simulation models for predictive purposes; predictive spatial models allow us to understand where and when investment, interventions and actions are required in the future. Visualisation and decision support: will train students in modern methods of spatial data visualisation such as virtual and augmented reality, and develop the skills on how to deliver and present the outputs of geospatial data analysis and modelling; skills required to ensure that objective decisions and choices are made using geospatial data and information. The advanced training received by students will be employed within interdisciplinary PhD research projects co-designed with 40 partners ranging from government agencies, international engineering consultants, infrastructure operators and utility companies, and geospatial technology companies; organisations that are ideally positioned to leverage of the Big Data, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that are predicted to be the key to "accelerating geospatial industry growth" into the future. Throughout their training and research, students will benefit from cohort-based activities focused on group-working and industry interaction around innovation and entrepreneurship to ensure that our outstanding researchers are able to deliver innovation for economic prosperity across the spectrum of the geospatial industry and applied user sectors.