Transforming Higher Education for a Stronger Europe
Luminița Popescu, Rector of Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu (UCB), participated as a key speaker in the High-Level Panel at the event “Shaping the Future: European Universities Alliances for a Competitive Europe.” Representing the ACE²-EU Alliance, she delivered an exceptional speech on the vital role of European university alliances in reshaping higher education, fostering innovation, and developing future-proof skills to enhance Europe’s competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and preparedness.
Alongside Luminița Popescu, João Moutão, the President of Instituto Politécnico de Santarém and leader of the ACE²-EU Alliance, was also present at the event. His dedication and vision have been instrumental in the creation and success of the Alliance, reinforcing the commitment to strengthening European academic collaboration and excellence.
Key Points from Her Speech:
The Unique Challenges of Târgu Jiu and the Region
Târgu Jiu, a medium-sized city, faces profound challenges that reflect the broader difficulties experienced by many European regions:
- The impact of decarbonization is causing significant job losses in traditional industries, reshaping the local economy.
- Excessive migration has led to a declining workforce, with many young professionals leaving in search of better opportunities.
- The aging population and shortage of skilled professionals pose an urgent need for innovative educational and workforce strategies.
The Role of ACE2-EU in Addressing These Challenges
Through the Erasmus+ program and the collaborative efforts of the ACE2-EU Alliance, UCB is actively contributing to:
- Reinforcing educational innovation to better equip students with future-ready skills.
- Strengthening regional resilience by developing training programs tailored to new economic realities.
- Creating new career pathways aligned with the evolving European job market.
The Power of International Collaboration
Luminita Popescu expressed deep gratitude to João Moutão, President of Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, for his trust and leadership in the ACE2-EU Alliance. She emphasized that this partnership is not just another university collaboration but a transformative initiative focused on:
– bridging educational gaps across Europe.
– fostering innovation in learning methodologies.
– equipping students with adaptable skills for an uncertain future.
Education is a key driver of regional and economic transformation. Through collaborative university alliances like ACE2-EU, higher education institutions are stepping up to play an active role in shaping Europe’s future-one that is competitive, sustainable, and inclusive.
ACE2-EU is not just about universities working together—it’s about building innovative solutions that respond to real-world challenges!
