Harnessing European University Alliances for the Union of Skills
12
Feb 2025
Fae-to-face
16:00 – 17:30 CET
The European Universities Initiative (EUI) has turbo charged transnational cooperation across all European countries and types of higher education institutions. Along with the intrinsic benefits of deeper cooperation (quality, values, integration), there are many instrumental reasons for supporting the alliances, from increasing the profile of European higher education on a global scale, to boosting collaborative research and innovation, and applying international knowledge for local and regional development.
Diversity has always been considered a strength of the European Higher Education Area, because different types of institutions and programmes address varying human capital and knowledge needs. As the EUI has advanced we have fortunately seen a larger number of applied HEIs in university alliances. One of their biggest strengths is providing mid and high-level skills to meet the demands of industry. While they are often smaller than large comprehensive universities, they can be more agile and reactive to economic and technological change. They also enlarge participation in higher education, reaching different social groups in a lifelong learning perspective and in a larger number of cities and regions.
This seminar aims to reflect on the specific contribution and experience of ‘applied alliances’, highlighting the successes but also the obstacles and challenges. Together with representatives of national governments, the EURASHE Sounding Board will develop an action plan for how they can help build the Union of Skills, a policy priority for the EU over the coming years.
Agenda
15:30 – 16:00 |
Welcome Coffee |
16:00 – 16:05 |
Introduction and scene setting EURASHE President Hannes Raffaseder |
16:05 – 16:15 |
The Union of Skills and Applied Universities EURASHE Secretary General John Edwards |
16:15 – 16:45 |
What has been achieved so far Joint presentation by the EURASHE EUI Sounding Board |
16:50 – 17:00 |
Challenges and obstacles faced by the applied alliances Michal Karpisek, Secretary General of E2UDRES3 European University |
17:00 – 17:25 |
Open discussion |
17:25 – 17:30 |
Summary and conclusion Chair of the EURASHE EUI Sounding Board |