THE INVEST EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY SYMPOSIUM EXPLORES THE POWER OF EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND INNOVATION IN DRIVING REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

On May 26, 2023, the INVEST European University Symposium held at Maison Irène and Frédéric Joliot-Curie in Brussels brought together key stakeholders from academia, policy-making bodies, and the European Union to discuss the role of education, research, and innovation in driving regional sustainability. The symposium focused on the INVEST European Universities Alliance, a collaborative effort by five European universities aimed at strengthening the connection between teaching, research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
The symposium aimed to stimulate insightful discussions and explore the potential of research and innovative practices in education to contribute to regional sustainability. It centered around three key areas: highlighting the background, aims, objectives, and main achievements of the INVEST European Universities Alliance; examining student involvement and innovative educational practices; and addressing the institutionalization of European university alliances and their role in sustainability and future development.
Hosted by France Universités, the event received active participation from esteemed experts representing the European Commission Directorate-General for Education and Culture, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Education and Culture Executive Agency, and East & North Finland EU Office.

The symposium began with an engaging welcome speech that introduced the purpose and vision of the INVEST Alliance. Ms. Tine Delva, Deputy Head of Unit B1, Higher Education, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, delivered a keynote address outlining the European Commission's expectations of European university alliances in terms of regional development. Mr. Eerikki Vainio, Senior Advisor at the East & North Finland EU Office, highlighted the alliance's pivotal role in advancing the European Education Area and the European Research Area during his speech. Providing valuable insights into the INVEST Alliance's prospects for a successful and sustainable future, Mr. Manuel Aleixo, Head of the Unit for ERA Governance and Implementation at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, delivered an insightful keynote speech.

The event also highlighted student involvement within the INVEST Alliance, resulting to a dynamic discussion on entrepreneurial pathways, winter and summer schools, and student participation in Living Labs. A panel of student debaters passionately shared their perspectives and experiences, shedding light on the importance of engaging students in innovative educational programs.
Panel discussions formed the core of the symposium, covering research and innovation, quality assurance, and the institutionalization of European alliances. Facilitators and debaters from various universities within the alliance provided valuable insights and engaged in thought-provoking conversations. The discussions explored research advancements, quality assurance challenges, and strategies to strengthen the European identity of partner universities.

The European University Symposium marked an important milestone in the journey of the INVEST Alliance. It solidified the commitment of its members to driving regional sustainability and enhancing the quality and excellence of education and research across European universities. The symposium's success lies in the collaborative efforts and shared vision of all participants, who left with a renewed determination to make a meaningful impact on the European educational landscape.