The SPHERE Annual Conference 2024, held virtually over two days (3-4 December 2024), brought together Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE), National Erasmus+ Offices, and stakeholders to reflect on the year's achievements and plan for the future. The event was centred around the 2024 overarching theme: Higher Education Engagement with Society and the Economy, explored through a range of sub-themes and SPHERE activities throughout the year.
Revisiting 2024: A Year in Review
The conference began with an overview of key SPHERE events held in 2024, which included study visits and seminars focused on:
- Institutional strategies for greening
- Universities’ third mission and local ecosystem integration
- University-industry collaboration
- Inclusive internationalisation
- European University Alliances
Discussions highlighted the importance of embedding sustainability in institutional strategies, the role of service-learning, and the potential of interdisciplinary education. Participants shared reflections on the role of universities as key actors in their local and international contexts. In particular, the session on university-industry collaboration noted the importance of adapting models to local political and economic conditions, drawing on insights from the study visit organised in Finland.
A case study on inclusive internationalisation, based on the Ghent study visit, showcased innovative approaches to widening access to global engagement through step-by-step exposure models. Meanwhile, European University Alliances were presented as models for deep, integrated partnerships, relevant to both educational reform and international cooperation.
HERE members from Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, and Ukraine shared concrete national examples, from university autonomy legislation to alumni engagement.
Future Perspectives and EU Policy Developments
Day two looked ahead to EU higher education priorities and the evolving policy context. Updates were provided on:
- The European University Initiative
- The European Degree and mobility goals
- Erasmus+ programme developments
- Bologna Process developments and peer exchange structures
The conference emphasized the ongoing importance of labour market integration, research and innovation, and citizenship as core missions for higher education institutions. Updates from the Bologna Follow-Up Group included new initiatives on fundamental values, a task force for the future of Bologna, and ongoing thematic peer exchange around recognition, QA, and the social dimension.
HERE Priorities and Reflections
In the closing foresight session, HERE participants expressed interest in deepening engagement through more opportunities for peer exchange.
Thematic priorities identified for 2025 included:
- Internationalisation at home
- Micro-credentials
- National HE strategy development
- Digitalisation and AI in education
- Higher education in conflict settings
- SDG-related competency development
- Sustainable financing
- Quality assurance for innovative teaching and learning
The conference concluded with a forward-looking exchange, offering valuable insights into evolving reform agendas and shared priorities across regions.
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