Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences launches new project to accelerate the future potential of Higher Education institutions in Europe
A new research and innovation project has been launched, Accelerate Future HEI, which focuses on supporting and enhancing the capability of higher education institutions (HEIs). Within it ViA aims to achieve institutional transformation and support more entrepreneurial activities to strengthen its role as a major actor in the regional ecosystem. Simultaneously, ViA will focus on achieving an institutional restructuring to encourage and cultivate more innovation on education and R&D.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can positively impact regional and Europe-wide social and economic development through education, research and engagement. However, they require targeted support to enhance their capability to fully realise their potential. Accelerate Future HEI will develop and test acceleration services, to equip HEIs with the skills and capacity to drive their institutional transformation towards becoming more entrepreneurial and innovative institutions over the next four years. Hosted by the lead partner, University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN), the ambitious project brings together twelve European partners to develop and implement acceleration services - TUM International (TUMint), Momentum Consulting (MMS), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Université de La Reunion (UR), Universidad Europea de Canarias (UEC), Universidade da Madeira (UMa), St. Pölten University of Applied Science (STPUAS), UC Leuven-Limburg University of Applied Sciences (UCLL), Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Politehnica University Timișoara (UPT), Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA).
“The project has only recently started, but we are moving in the right direction. An internal analysis of the organization has now been carried out, which helps to understand where we are now and where we want to go. A focus group discussion was also held with internal and external stakeholders who provided valuable comments and notes to create a road map on how to achieve the goals that were identified and the pilot projects for the transformation of the university are already planned in the near future” says researcher of the project and Head of Tourism and Leisure studies and Business Administration studies Agita Šmitiņa.
During the project it is planned - to develop an acceleration development roadmap that incorporates a vision, realistic activities to be executed through a transformation acceleration project within the Developing phase, to test and implement acceleration services that help institutions implement a transformation strategy and roadmap, by creating a shared knowledge base, coaching service and virtual meeting place for HEIs to connect with peers and external stakeholders such as other ecosystem actors, investors and public funders etc.
The project is ongoing from 01.01.2023. to 31.12.2026. Accelerate Future HEI is funded under the Horizon Europe programme, the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. The Horizon Europe programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. Moreover, it supports the creation and better diffusion of excellent knowledge and technologies.