Shifting HOGENT’s applied research towards more societal impact
In a bold transformation of its research strategy, HOGENT University for the Applied Sciences and Arts has restructured its approach to applied research to maximise societal relevance and impact. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new policy fosters an inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative research environment aligned with real-world challenges.
The initiative focuses on creating interdisciplinary research centres that bring together expertise across disciplines and promote co-creation with stakeholders. By moving away from a competitive funding model towards a structural, non-competitive internal funding approach, HOGENT ensures that research teams can focus on long-term, high-impact objectives.
This strategic shift strengthens the connection between research, education, and society, empowering researchers and students alike to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of communities, both locally and internationally.
This initiative contributes to the thematic area of:
- Research and innovation
Background and objectives
HOGENT’s former research organisation was structured into numerous monodisciplinary units that often worked independently and relied heavily on competitive internal calls for funding. This approach led to challenges related to the sustainability of research units, limited interdisciplinary collaboration, and reduced stakeholder engagement.
To address these issues, HOGENT set out to create a more stable, focused, and outward-looking research ecosystem. The new policy aims to:
- Strengthen the relevance of research for both education and the broader society;
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and co-creation with stakeholders;
- Enhance external funding opportunities and international engagement;
- Promote a culture of impact-driven research over purely output-focused metrics.
The implementation involved a complete reorganisation of HOGENT’s research structure — transforming 19 monodisciplinary units into 12 interdisciplinary research centres, each supported by structural, non-competitive internal funding.
Key elements of the process included:
- Vision-driven programmes: Each centre operates within a clear six-year research vision and strategy.
- Bottom-up development: Researchers were encouraged and supported to initiate dialogue with a wide range of (international) stakeholders.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Teams were formed across educational programmes, integrating multiple perspectives and expertise.
- Stakeholder co-creation: Each centre conducted a stakeholder analysis to guide programme formulation, governance, and evaluation through peer dialogue.
This transformation fostered a more connected, agile, and impactful research environment within HOGENT.
Results and impact
The outcomes of the initiative demonstrate several measurable and qualitative improvements:
- increased external funding and enhanced attractiveness for new partnerships;
- greater visibility and influence, with HOGENT research centres invited by policymakers to participate in task forces;
- clearer research profiles and communication strategies for each centre;
- a stronger position to collaborate within the U!REKA European University alliance;
- a cultural shift toward dialogue and societal impact, rather than purely financial or output-driven measures.
Lessons learned
What worked well:
- creation of a dynamic and engaged research community within HOGENT;
- enhanced stakeholder dialogue and collaboration;
- a stronger internal network, improving synergies between research and education.
Challenges:
- avoiding renewed competition between centres when defining financing parameters;
- maintaining a strong connection between research and education.
HOGENT’s model has proven adaptable and inspiring beyond its own institution. It has already informed the Centres of Expertise established by the U!REKA European University and has been adopted, in adapted forms, by other universities of applied sciences in Flanders (Belgium).
Learn more
For more information about HOGENT’s research policy and centres, visit https://www.hogent.be/en/research/
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