Close the Gap
Many great approaches, concepts and innovations are emerging in different parts of the education system. But do they then find their way through the system so that they can also gain a foothold in other locations? This is precisely the question we are asking ourselves in the “Close the Gap” project!
“Close the Gap” is a project of the Education Lab in partnership with Schule im Aufbruch and INNOIMPACT and is supported by the funding “Impact Innovation” of the FFG.
The project runs from January to December 2026 and aims to make the success factors and obstacles to innovation transfer in the Austrian school system visible and, based on this, to develop effective, feasible and scalable models that enable the systematic dissemination of successful educational innovations.
Interviews, focus groups and co-creative workshops with various stakeholders in the system are used to assess the current situation and develop and pilot ideas for improvement.
Would you like to get involved (e.g. as part of a workshop)? Please get in touch with project manager Diego Heatherman: diego.heatherman@edlab.at.
Next dates:
April – Regional focus groups
We want to better understand whether and how effective concepts can be disseminated. Contribute your experience and perspectives in this interactive format!
- 8.4. in Linz, 14:00-16:00
- 9.4. in Dornbirn, 14:00-16:00
- 14.4. in Vienna, 15:00-17:00
Please send registrations to diego.heatherman@edlab.at
May 12 – Workshop on innovation transfer in pedagogical training
16:00-19:00 at the Education Lab in Vienna
What role does the training of educators play in the dissemination of effective new concepts? What contribution should training make to the transfer of innovation? We invite all those involved in shaping our teacher education programs, current students, school leaders, teachers and administrators to discuss these questions. and to help develop new ideas.
Please send registrations to diego.heatherman@edlab.at
May – Regional ideas workshops
In these workshops, various stakeholders come together to jointly consider how we can better disseminate effective concepts in the education system. All perspectives are welcome in this creative format!
- 20.5. in Linz, 14:00-17:00
- 21.5. in Dornbirn, 14:00-16:30
- 26.5. in Vienna, 14:00-17:00
Please send registrations to diego.heatherman@edlab.at
June 17 – Ideenexpo
18:00-19:30 at the Education Lab in Vienna
On this evening, we will present the ideas that emerged from the workshops. Together with you, we will consider which of them are realistically feasible? Come along for an interactive evening of co-creation and networking!
Who is designing "Close the Gap"?
The project is organized by the Education Lab together with School on the Move and INNOIMPACT implemented. In addition, key stakeholders are involved in our steering committee and sounding board.
This project is funded by the FFG (www.ffg.at). The FFG is the central national funding organization and strengthens Austria’s innovative power.
Steering Committee
- Simone DomigManaging Director, Landeselternverband Vorarlberg
- Mag.a Dr.in Helene Feichter BEd, Professor & Head of the Institute for Continuing Education, School Development, Leadership and Counseling, PH Upper Austria
- HRin Elisabeth Fuchs, MEd, Director of Education Vienna
- SQM Barbara GöblBEd. MA. MEd. MEd., School Quality Manager in the Gmunden-Vöcklabruck Education Region, Upper Austria Education Directorate
- Mag. Verena Kremnitzer, Public Relations / School Marketing, Business.academy.donaustadt
- Julia Pichler M.Ed., Director, Education Lab
- HRin Monika SteurerMSc BEd, Pedagogical Director of the Vorarlberg Directorate of Education
- Sabine Scheffknecht PhD, Director, School on the Move Austria
- Hannah ScheidlFederal school spokeswoman and BMHS state school spokeswoman
- VDn Dipl.Päd. Christine StadlmannDirector, VS Friedrichsplatz & Lerngemeinschaft 15
Sounding Board
- Bernhard FrischmannBEd – teacher, special needs teacher, former school quality manager, head teacher & employee at the University of Teacher Education Tyrol
- Mag. Dr. Barbara MackingerSenior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg
- Emer. Prof. Dr. Dr. Christiane Spielformer Professor of Educational Psychology and Evaluation at the University of Vienna
Contact us
Do you have any questions or would you like to contribute your experience? Please get in touch with project manager Diego Heatherman: diego.heatherman@edlab.at.
Stay informed
Everything’s in motion here – new programs, events, and opportunities are always unfolding. Sign up so you don’t miss anything!