From 10 to 14 March 2025, seven ECIU bodies met in the European capital for a series of important gatherings, including an Innovation Summit. These meetings allowed ECIU groups to raise awareness about the potential of innovative universities towards key EU institutions, share ideas and plan innovative projects for the future.
The ECIU Board meeting, led by President Jan-Ingvar Jönsson, took place from 13 to 14 March 2025, promoting open discussion and strategic planning.
Ms. Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, underlined the powerful position of innovative universities such as ECIU partners, in the current debates around the high needs of skills for European industry. Both the European Degree and micro-credentials are instrumental in equipping students with the right skills, but national support is needed to proceed. Ms Debiais-Sainton confirmed the potential around a European Degree for engineers, building upon the experience of the INSA Group. The Board expressed its commitment to innovation, supporting the European Degree initiative, and welcomed the expansion of micro-credentials as a key component of ECIU University.
Ms Debiais-Sainton confirmed ECIU University's excellent position in contributing to the recently launched 'Union of Skills'. With its micro-credential approach and close collaboration with industry and society, ECIU University is well-placed to enhance this 'Union of Skills.' Therefore, fostering collaboration across the ECIU would increase student and continuous learner participation in ECIU University activities.
Following the dialogue with Ms Debiais-Sainton, members of the ECIU Student Council ran a workshop with the ECIU Board. The workshop focused on strategies to increase student engagement and participation in the ECIU, including the role of students in decision-making processes and the promotion of student-led initiatives.
The Board, composed of senior management from ECIU partner universities, students, and representatives from industry, reviewed key performance indicators and recent evaluations of its alliance. They initiated preparations for the 2027-2028 extension phase, discussing Continuous Education Offerings, a range of educational programs designed to meet the needs of professionals in a rapidly changing job market and governance for the ECIU IT infrastructure.
The ECIU Board meeting concluded with presentations from the 19th edition of the ECIU Leadership Development Programme, where emerging leaders shared insights from collaborative projects to innovate higher education in Europe.
On 12 March 2025, a day before the Board meeting, ECIU also published its latest innovation policy paper, "ECIU Calls for Stronger University Role in European Innovation and Competitiveness" This paper coincided with the ECIU Summit "From Valorization to Impact," which showcased the university's contributions in Brussels.
The Board meeting and Summit were hosted by the Representation of the European Region Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino in Brussels.
