From Widening to transformation: European universities as engines of inclusion and innovation

Hosted at the NCBR Brussels office and organised within the Unite!Widening project, the conference “From Widening to Transformation: European Universities as Engines of Inclusion and Innovation” builds on the long-standing “widening” agenda, which aims to strengthen research capacity across EU member states. The discussion now turns to how this experience can support deeper forms of collaboration between universities across Europe.

Rather than focusing solely on reducing differences in research performance, the conference will explore how university alliances can further develop as platforms for shared initiatives, joint governance approaches and stronger links between research, education and innovation.

The programme is structured around key areas:  

• governance models in transnational university networks 

• pathways for turning research into practical applications, mobility of researchers and students within the European Higher Education Area 

• alignment between university strategies and wider EU policy priorities, including industrial and societal goals. 

Participants will include representatives from several European Commission Directorates-General (including research, education, mobility and industry), members of the European Parliament’s relevant committees, and experts involved in European research governance.

A dedicated part of the programme will highlight experiences from countries such as Poland and Portugal, where universities participating in the Unite! alliance are testing new forms of collaboration. One of the initiatives presented — the “Digital Bridges” framework — focuses on supporting stronger participation of universities from widening regions in European research programmes and partnerships.

The conference will also serve as a space for dialogue between universities, policymakers and industry partners on how European university alliances can further evolve within the broader research and innovation framework.