POLICY ENGAGEMENT - ENHANCE Alliance

The ENHANCE Alliance is committed to actively engaging with policymakers and governance bodies at local, regional, and European levels to represent the interests of our member institutions. As a European University Alliance, we aim to be a key partner in shaping the future of higher education, research, and innovation through informed dialogue and collaboration with decision-makers. On this page, you will find a selection of ENHANCE policy and strategy papers, updates on our policy activities, and statements on key issues, as well as news about our involvement in local and regional policy initiatives within the European Education Area.

A Sustainable Funding Pathway for European University Alliances

In the context of ongoing discussions about future funding avenues for European University Alliances, the ENHANCE Alliance is actively contributing to this important dialogue. As part of these discussions, we are sharing our views on the need for a sustainable funding pathway to ensure the long-term success of the European Universities Initiative (EUI). Through this statement, we aim to engage policymakers, higher education stakeholders, and partners in shaping the future of European university alliances and look forward to continuing the conversation.

Enhancing Policies and Practices at Universities of Technology: Bringing Innovation and Entrepreneurship into the Academic Heartland of Universities

Technical universities are key to driving sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Innovation and entrepreneurship must be integrated into teaching and research, with sustainability embedded throughout. By encouraging faculty to engage students and others in innovation, we can foster sustainable practices, offer entrepreneurial experiences, and keep research relevant. This paper argues for policy and practice changes to support these developments, connects education, research, and utilisation, and offers real-life examples alongside practical advice for universities and policymakers.

Joint Public Policy Report on Transdisciplinary Science and Education

Addressing today’s global challenges requires academic education that integrates scientific knowledge with experience-based, professional, and arts-based knowledge to solve complex problems. However, institutionalising transdisciplinary education at universities demands new administrative structures, strategic change management, and enhanced methodological competence. This paper advocates for systemic reform, including improved incentive structures, funding, recognition, and resource allocation. Transdisciplinary learning should not rely solely on individual lecturers’ commitment; universities must create supportive frameworks to foster collaboration between science and society, making students central to this process.

Mind the implementation gap: Barriers faced by European University Alliances in their efforts to contribute to the successful realisation of the European Education Area.

The European University Initiative impacts various aspects of higher education, from student mobility to innovative skills teaching and inclusion. This policy paper focuses on two key areas where European University Alliances are driving change: micro-credentials and short-term learning offers, as well as short-term and virtual mobility. It highlights the need for a European approach to these areas and urges national policymakers to address challenges related to accreditation, quality assurance, student status, and funding. Success in overcoming these barriers requires coordinated efforts at both national and European levels.

Annual Report on “Diversity and Gender Equality in ENHANCE” for 2022

This report summarises all the diversity and gender equality-related activities within the ENHANCE Alliance. It is addressed to all those interested in finding out more about our approach. The report presents three main activity fields (goals) in relation to diversity and gender equality. This is the second report on Diversity and Gender Equality in ENHANCE. The annual report is meant to help us to capture the results of ENHANCE and provides information on whether there has been progress, or what results in our Alliance have been achieved in terms of inclusion, diversity and gender equality.

White Paper : Launch the Future

This paper is based on the outcome of the exchanges held during the ENHANCE Launch Event on 12 March 2021 and its consecutive workshops. More than 600 students, academics and key stakeholders from society and partner universities around Europe discussed challenges and opportunities in digital education, smart working, international research and mobility.

You can read the PDF file below or download by clicking here.

ENHANCE Education Strategy

The ENHANCE Education Strategy outlines the strategic goals for education of the ENHANCE Alliance as well as the methodology to achieve these goals. The primary focus of the ENHANCE Education Strategy is the education offered jointly as an Alliance.

ENHANCE Micro-credentials (2021)

ENHANCE micro-credentials are joint educational programmes addressing topics of high societal relevance. They are composed of a set of different learning activities, often combining mandatory and elective components. ENHANCE micro-credentials are intended for traditional bachelor, master or doctoral students, allowing them to complement their studies with an additional thematic focus, as well as for life-long-learners who seek to up or reskill. The framework for ENHANCE micro-credentials provides an orientation on taxonomy, learning goals and outcomes and certificate issuance.