Europe is facing major challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and aging of the population, all during the greatest global health crisis in the last 100 years, followed by severe economic consequences. Universities and the entire higher education sector are in a unique position: at the crossroads of education, research, and innovation, shaping sustainable and resilient economies and making the European Union greener, more inclusive, and digital.
Hence, a series of publications, initiatives and strategies was created that support the work of the universities in the upcoming challenging times.
The European Commission presented a new higher education package, which includes the new European Strategy for Universities and a proposal to member states on how to encourage transnational cooperation.
European Strategy for Universities defines four priority areas:
- strengthening the European dimension of higher education and research,
- support for universities as “beacons of the European way of life”, while promoting values and contributing to skills development,
- strengthening the position of universities as key drivers of change in the green and digital transition, and
- strengthening universities as key actors in the EU’s role and leadership at the global level.
The strategy includes a number of initiatives within each priority area.
Young European Research Universities (YERUN) brings new perspectives and strengths to European debates and ensures that its needs are considered in the framework of European plans for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. YERUN members, including the University of Rijeka, strive to build a sustainable system of teaching, research, and engagement in the society. To support these perspectives, the following new publications have been adopted with a focus on EU policies, talent development, open culture and a responsible and altruistic university:
- From talent to societal impact: An Evolutionary Journey for Universities
- THE FUTURE STARTS TODAY! Inspiring Initiatives from Young European Research Universities
- The new Pact for R&I in Europe
- Reforming research assessment in Europe: YERUN’s take on the issue
- YERUN Strategy 2021-2025
European University Association (EUA) promotes the development of a coherent education and research system at European level through studies, projects, and services to its members. The Association supports universities through various mechanisms such as promoting European policies to strengthen the role of universities in the development of European knowledge societies, promoting networking opportunities between national rectors’ conferences, national organizations and national associations, increasing global visibility of European universities and more.
In this regard, the EUA publishes numerous publications on higher education, which are very important in the analysis of universities, in their monitoring of progress and the achievement of general European goals in the European higher education area (EHEA).