FIZE Dialogues

Rarely Does the Solution Come First

Major challenges often appear surprisingly simple – at least from a distance. However, anyone who seriously engages with issues such as reconstruction, workforce development, education, migration, or societal development quickly realizes the complexity behind them. These topics cannot be viewed in isolation. They are interconnected and influence one another in countless ways.

The path that eventually led to the MICT UA initiative did not begin with a finished concept. It began with a question: How can young Ukrainians who have spent several years abroad maintain a meaningful connection to the future of their homeland?

The more closely we examined this question, the clearer it became how many different perspectives and stakeholders are involved. Universities, businesses, public administrations, international partners, and, most importantly, the young people themselves all view the same challenge from different angles. The initial task was therefore not to develop solutions, but to understand relationships, analyze experiences, and bring structure to a complex field of issues.

During this phase, studying existing models proved particularly valuable. One important source of inspiration was the StartDual.international program developed by Professor Dr. Matthias Schenkel and his team at Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) Karlsruhe. The program combines language training, practical work experience, educational pathways, and organizational support into an integrated framework for international young professionals.

Exploring this model led to a decisive question: Which elements of a successful integration program could be adapted to the challenges facing Ukraine? Not as a direct copy, but as structural inspiration.

Step by step, this reflection led to the idea of reversing the underlying logic. Instead of supporting young people on their path to Germany, the focus shifted to how young Ukrainians who have spent years abroad could gradually reconnect with their homeland. How can language, cultural identity, professional opportunities, and social integration be linked in a way that makes return a realistic and attractive future option?

This phase of exploration and learning is often underestimated. Before projects can emerge, information must be gathered, existing experiences analyzed, and different perspectives brought together. In many cases, simply gaining orientation within a complex field is already an important achievement.

MICT UA is the result of such a development process. The initiative does not present itself as a final answer to every question. Rather, it is a structured approach that is intended to evolve together with partners. Sustainable solutions rarely emerge in isolation. They emerge where experiences, expertise, and perspectives enter into dialogue with one another.