ACE2-EU European University

Networking meets strategy: ACE²-EU at the European Alliances Workshop in Granada

adminucb — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:33:28 +0000

Georg Overbeck from Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, represent ACE²-EU European University Alliance in the FOREU4ALL Workshop in Granada, Spain, from 15 to 17 April 2026, contributing to the poster session on the topic “Aligning Project Management and Impact: A Practical and Strategic Dialogue for European University Alliances”.

The event brings together representatives from numerous European University Alliances to explore shared challenges and opportunities in the areas of project management, impact, data collection, communication, and strategic decision-making. According to the programme, the workshop focuses on how alliances can better connect day-to-day project work with long-term impact and institutional development.

For ACE²-EU, the poster session offers a valuable opportunity to present concrete approaches from the alliance, exchange good practice with peers, and contribute to the wider European discussion on how alliances can work more strategically and effectively. The programme also includes workshops, keynote discussions and collaborative roadmap sessions designed to strengthen mutual learning across alliances.

The workshop is hosted in Granada and organised within the FOREU4ALL framework, providing an important platform for dialogue and cooperation among European higher education alliances.

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Designing Sustainable Futures: SPACE Centre Presented at International Conference

adminucb — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:05:40 +0000

On 14–15 April, the 7th International Scientific Conference “European Realities / PEACE” took place in Osijek, Croatia, organised by the Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek.

Ieva Zemīte, Leader of the SPACE Centre, participated in the conference as a plenary speaker with the presentation “Designing Sustainable Futures Through Culture and Diversity – Stories from the SPACE Centre”, focusing on the role of culture and diversity in shaping sustainable futures, as well as sharing practice-based insights from the experience of the SPACE Centre.

The international conference brought together researchers, artists, and cultural policy experts from various European countries, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on peace and sustainable development in Europe.

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The first ACE²-EU Changemaker Ambassador Programme launched at the Latvian Academy of Culture

adminucb — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:26:32 +0000

From 15 to 17 April, the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) is hosting an international Changemaker Ambassador Programme organised by the European University Alliance ACE²-EU. This dynamic, practice-based training programme has been developed in collaboration with the external stakeholders “DOTS Foundation” and innovation mentor Liene Kupča, bringing together students and academic staff from the alliance’s partner universities to develop skills in change process facilitation and in applying the Dialogue Circle Method, thereby supporting the successful implementation of changemaking processes.

During the first day, participants were introduced to the core principles of systems thinking and design thinking, which help identify potential collaboration partners and resources, as well as develop future scenarios to successfully initiate and further advance change processes.

In this event, the methodology and approach of the programme are being piloted in order to develop future programme series that will be implemented across all alliance universities in the coming years. The programme will offer training for students and staff in the alliance, fostering leadership in social change at the alliance level and providing knowledge on innovative ways to address societal challenges.

More about the activities of ACE2-EU: https://www.ace2eu.eu/

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project 101177596.

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ACE²-EU at the European Universities Alliances Retreat

adminucb — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:12:50 +0000

Brussels, 14 April 2026

Today, ACE²-EU joined the European Universities Alliances Retreat, a full-day strategic gathering bringing together alliances from across Europe and representatives from the European Commission to shape the future of the initiative beyond 2027.

Four sessions structured the day, each addressing a question that will define the next programming period.

The first focused on the funding model for Erasmus+ 2028–2034: how to move beyond a system tied purely to the number of partners towards one that rewards genuine institutional transformation, with a stable baseline complemented by performance-driven elements. The second tackled mobility, one of the initiative’s most visible and most debated dimensions, exploring what a shared definition should look like and how targets should evolve to reflect the real depth of cross-border learning, not just its volume.

The third session examined the international dimension of alliances: how far partnerships should extend geographically, what role enlargement countries and global partners could play, and how to keep cooperation purposeful and coherent. The afternoon turned to the broader policy context, the Competitiveness Compass, the Union of Skills, and how alliances can contribute meaningfully to Europe’s skills and talent needs across all fields.

What made today especially valuable was the quality of the exchange. Alliances shared honestly what is working, where the challenges lie, and what the initiative needs to grow. ACE²-EU contributed from the experience of building real shared structures across nine universities: in curriculum development, quality assurance, joint programmes, and institutional governance. That concrete grounding matters when the conversation turns to what alliances should look like and be funded to do, in the decade ahead.

The policy decisions taking shape now will set the conditions for European higher education cooperation well into the 2030s. ACE²-EU is committed to contributing actively to getting them right.

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International Entrepreneurship Traineeship Programme at the Latvian Academy of Culture

adminucb — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:45:16 +0000

Last Friday, the International Entrepreneurship Traineeship Programme at the Latvian Academy of Culture came to a close, bringing together students from nine European universities for an intensive week of collaboration, innovation, and idea development within the ACE²-EU alliance.

Working across three partner institutions simultaneously, participants explored entrepreneurship in an international and interdisciplinary environment, developed creative solutions, and engaged with Latvia’s start-up ecosystem – from TechChill to hands-on pitching sessions with expert feedback.

Six team projects were presented at the final stage, with selected participants continuing their journey in Germany this May at the ACE²-EU Entrepreneurship Networking event.

A week marked by bold ideas, shared learning, and new international connections – laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

#ACE2EU #Entrepreneurship #Traineeship #InternationalCollaboration #Innovation #StudentExperience

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Final day of the Transnational Student Entrepreneurship Traineeship Week 2026!

adminucb — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:40:26 +0000

The closing day in Gdańsk combined reflection, inspiration and a deeper understanding of healthcare and smart city solutions. Students also had the opportunity to visit the University Clinical Centre and learn about the history of the Medical University of Gdańsk.

A meaningful end to five days of international learning and collaboration across our Alliance.

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Entrepreneurship Traineeship Programme at the Latvian Academy of Culture

adminucb — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:35:32 +0000

Today marks the conclusion of the Entrepreneurship Traineeship Programme at the Latvian Academy of Culture. What was the experience like for the students who joined us in Riga?

Over the course of the week, participants developed and refined their entrepreneurial ideas while gaining hands-on, practice-based experience. The programme provided a platform to transform concepts into actionable solutions, while strengthening teamwork, leadership, and pitching skills in an international environment.

Students collaborated closely with mentors, peers, and industry professionals, engaging directly with the realities of the creative and social entrepreneurship sectors. This reflects one of the core educational principles of the ACE2-EU Alliance — learning through practice and real-world challenges.

Throughout the week, participants explored the Latvian entrepreneurship ecosystem, attended TechChill — the largest startup event in the Baltics — and connected with entrepreneurs and innovators. They also visited the Latvian Social Entrepreneurship Association and discovered Lastādija, an alternative community-driven cultural space in Riga.

Today, student teams will present their ideas to a professional jury, including experts from Riga Startup House, representatives of the Latvian Academy of Culture, and delegates of the ACE2-EU Alliance.

#ACE2EU #Entrepreneurship #CreativeIndustries #SocialEntrepreneurship #StudentExperience #Innovation #Riga

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ACE²-EU Rectors and Presidents Steering Group Meeting Concludes with Strategic Alignment on Global Positioning and Future Priorities

adminucb — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:33:59 +0000

Stip, North Macedonia – 25 March 2026

The ACE²-EU Rectors and Presidents Steering Group Meeting, hosted by Goce Delcev University in Stip, concluded today following two days of high-level discussions focused on the strategic development and future direction of the Alliance.

The meeting brought together Rectors and Presidents from across the ACE²-EU partner institutions to align on key priorities related to governance, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Defining the Future Direction of ACE²-EU

The final day of the meeting focused on strengthening the global positioning of the Alliance and exploring opportunities for collaboration beyond Europe. Participants engaged in discussions on how to enhance ACE²-EU’s presence within the international higher education landscape and build strategic partnerships at a global level.

Enhancing Impact and Visibility

A central theme of the discussions was the need to further develop mechanisms for measuring and demonstrating the impact of ACE²-EU across its member institutions and wider stakeholder groups.

Participants explored:

approaches to assessing impact at institutional and alliance levels
the development of indicators and monitoring mechanisms
strategies to strengthen both internal and external visibility
improved engagement with key stakeholders

Strategic Priorities and Next Steps

The meeting concluded with a forward-looking session dedicated to identifying strategic priorities and next steps for the Alliance. Key topics included addressing current challenges, supporting joint funding initiatives, and reinforcing coordinated action across institutions.

These discussions contribute to a shared roadmap for the continued development of ACE²-EU, ensuring greater alignment, sustainability, and impact.

Strengthening the Alliance

The outcomes of the meeting reaffirm the commitment of all partner institutions to advancing ACE²-EU as a cohesive, innovative and globally engaged European University Alliance.

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ACE²-EU International Managers and Institutional Coordinators Meeting Begins in Stip

adminucb — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:29:34 +0000

Stip, North Macedonia – 25 March 2026

The ACE²-EU International Managers and Institutional Coordinators Meeting officially commenced today at Goce Delcev University in Stip, bringing together international managers, institutional coordinators, and key stakeholders from across the Alliance.

Held between 25–27 March 2026, the meeting aims to translate the outcomes of the recent Stakeholder Experience Workshop into concrete institutional processes, common standards, and an Alliance-wide implementation roadmap.

Day 1: From Outcomes to Implementation

The first day of the meeting focused on reviewing the conclusions of the Stakeholder Workshop and identifying actionable steps to enhance ACE²-EU activities and mobility experiences.

Key discussions addressed:

the development of new ACE²-EU activities and future mobility opportunities
the integration of feedback from students and staff into programme design and delivery
the improvement of supporting tools, information packages, and communication approaches

Participants worked collaboratively to ensure that the insights gathered at stakeholder level are effectively translated into institutional practices and coordinated actions across the Alliance.

Strengthening Alignment Across the Alliance

The meeting provides a platform for aligning institutional approaches, improving coordination mechanisms, and reinforcing a shared commitment to enhancing the quality and impact of ACE²-EU mobility programmes.

The outcomes of Day 1 set the foundation for further discussions in the coming days, focusing on operational improvements, standardisation, and future strategic development.

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ACE²-EU Stakeholder Experience Workshop Concludes with Clear Outcomes for Future Development

adminucb — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:22:53 +0000

Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia – 25 March 2026

The ACE²-EU Stakeholder Experience Workshop, hosted by Goce Delcev University in Stip, successfully concluded today, marking the end of three days of intensive collaboration, reflection, and co-creation among students, academic staff and institutional representatives from across the Alliance.

The final day focused on consolidating insights gathered throughout the workshop and translating them into concrete actions and strategic directions for the future of ACE²-EU mobility and engagement activities.

From Reflection to Action

Building on the discussions and feedback collected during the previous sessions, participants engaged in forward-looking exchanges addressing the development, structure and promotion of new ACE²-EU initiatives, including the volunteer programme.

Dedicated sessions enabled both students and staff to provide structured input and reflect on their experiences, ensuring that future activities are aligned with the needs and expectations of the ACE²-EU community.

Key Outcomes

The workshop delivered a set of tangible outcomes that will support the next phase of development within the Alliance, including:

recommendations for improving mobility experiences and support tools
proposals for new activities and programmes
strengthened alignment between institutional priorities and stakeholder needs
a shared commitment to enhancing inclusiveness, quality, and impact

Strengthening the ACE²-EU Community

The collaborative and participatory format of the workshop reinforced engagement across all stakeholder groups, fostering a stronger sense of community and shared ownership of the Alliance’s future.

The conclusions of the workshop directly contribute to ongoing and upcoming initiatives within ACE²-EU, supporting its mission to advance collaboration, innovation, and mobility across European higher education.

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