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What’s new in the University-Business sphere? Last week, the 8th UBForum was organised in Brussels by the European Commission.
It gathered around 400 policymakers, business and academic representatives to discuss and debate the pressing challenges and solutions of UB cooperation in society. This 2-day conference highlighted some new cooperation avenues related to innovation and sustainable development.
Inspiring speeches during the opening plenary of the #UBForum on the importance of #education #SDG and #UBpartnership towards innovation and sustainability. We are pleased to attend & host a stand #PhDHub#POWER two KAs striving for improved coll. supported by innovative models. pic.twitter.com/DvGnEhrHa2
— EUF (@Uni_Foundation) October 24, 2019
The contributions of high-level speakers from the Commission and UNESCO emphasised the urgent need for a more (social) innovation-oriented Europe in which people are at the centre and the co-creators of the society.
“Investing in innovation means investing in people.”#UBForum closing remarks from @EU_CommissionDirector-General @ChristophidouEU for Education, Youth, Culture & Sport. pic.twitter.com/f98JukMnWo — EUDigitalEducation (@EUDigitalEdu) October 25, 2019
Innovating and creating new cooperation opportunities require a shared engagement and level of ownership of all stakeholders (Universities, Businesses, Civil Society). It is important to focus on further developing social innovation and entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, SMART specialisation strategies as well as people’s soft skills.
The UBForum 2019 was also a great opportunity to connect with new partners, meet with longtime colleagues and satisfy our appetite for improved practices in the field of education, research and innovation. The European University Foundation presented two excellence initiatives – POWER and European PhD Hub – which sparkled interest in the UB community.