This paper represents the experience and outcomes of a joint education and research project of Østfold University College and Southern Federal University. The project goal is to evolve and strengthen the academic cooperation between the universities by developing joint courses and improving the quality of education via mutual exchange of knowledge. The main methodological approaches, education technologies, and project activities are described. The main focus is on student international research project on employees' involvement in innovation in regional construction industry businesses in Norway and Russia. [For the complete Volume 14, Number 2 proceedings, see ED568089.]