By Alexandra Tulla, Leopold Kögler-Vencour, Michal Karpísek, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences/E³UDRES² European University
Universities today are expected to be more than just places of teaching and research – they are called to act as key drivers of regional transformation. Within the E³UDRES² Alliance, we see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity. But how can we ensure that our engagement efforts truly benefit our regions?
At the recent EURASHE 34th Annual Conference in Portalegre, we presented a pilot study that addresses precisely this question. Based on the UASIMAP framework, we are developing a practical model for assessing regional engagement. This approach goes beyond academic output: it looks at how universities contribute to economic resilience, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
A key aspect of our approach is its participatory character. Through self-evaluation and peer reviews across the partner institutions of the E³UDRES² alliance, we aim to foster a culture of reflection and mutual learning. During the conference’s session we discussed crucial questions: How do we define “region” in a meaningful way? How can we effectively measure regional engagement? And how can local stakeholders be more actively involved?
The feedback we received was clear: universities need flexible, context-sensitive tools to measure what really matters – how they improve lives in their regions. This pilot is only the beginning. We hope that our model will support higher education institutions across Europe in aligning their strategies with regional needs and in telling a more compelling story about their broader societal value. Because in the end, regional engagement is not just a “third mission” – it is the future of European higher education.
