Setting the Stage for Applied Innovation in European Higher Education

The EURASHE 35th Annual Conference arrives at a pivotal moment for Europe's higher education landscape. Scheduled for 17-18 June 2026 at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the event carries the theme Impact, Industry, Society: Demand-driven research and innovation for a competitive Europe. This gathering brings together policymakers, rectors, academics, students and practitioners from applied higher education institutions across the continent and beyond.

Applied universities and universities of applied sciences play a distinctive role in the European Higher Education Area. They combine professional education with user-oriented research that directly addresses regional and societal needs. The conference will examine how these institutions can strengthen Europe's position in global innovation and economic competitiveness.

Understanding EURASHE and Its Mission

EURASHE, the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education, represents more than 500 institutions focused on professionally oriented programmes and applied research. Its members include universities of applied sciences, university colleges and national associations. The organisation advocates for the specific contributions these institutions make to the Bologna Process and broader European policy goals.

Through its strategy, EURASHE prioritises visibility for applied research, support for members in policy development and stronger links between higher education and the world of work. The annual conference serves as a key platform for advancing these objectives.

The 2026 Theme in Context

Demand-driven research places end users at the centre of inquiry. Rather than purely curiosity-led projects, it responds to concrete challenges identified by industry, public authorities and communities. In applied higher education, this approach translates into collaborative projects that generate practical solutions while training the next generation of professionals.

Europe faces intense global competition in technology, sustainability and digital transformation. Applied universities are well positioned to bridge the gap between fundamental science and market-ready innovations. The conference theme highlights how these institutions can accelerate regional development and contribute to EU competitiveness strategies.

Host Institution: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences serves as host. With approximately 44,000 students and 4,800 staff, the institution emphasises high-quality education, applied research and equal opportunities. Its location in one of Europe's most dynamic cities provides an ideal setting for discussions on urban innovation and societal impact.

The university's faculties cover areas such as digital media, creative industries, health, engineering and business. Its research activities often involve direct partnerships with local government and enterprises, offering concrete models for other institutions to consider.

Programme Highlights and Key Sessions

The two-day programme features keynote addresses, plenary discussions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. A pre-conference day on 16 June includes workshops on international partnerships and a members-only general assembly.

Day one opens with welcome remarks from EURASHE President Hannes Raffaseder and local representatives. Keynote speaker Robbert Dijkgraaf, Professor for Science and Society at the University of Amsterdam and former Dutch minister, will address the intersection of science and societal needs. Plenary sessions will explore applied universities as drivers of European competitiveness and their role within cities and regions.

Breakout sessions allow deeper dives into specific topics, while hot topics sessions give the community space to raise emerging issues. The day concludes with an optional gala dinner.

Day two continues with further keynotes and plenaries, culminating in the EURASHE Star Awards recognising outstanding contributions. A historic boat tour of Amsterdam's canals offers an informal networking opportunity.

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Stakeholder Perspectives on Applied Research

University leaders attending the conference will discuss how applied research strengthens institutional identity and regional relevance. Rectors and vice-rectors often highlight the challenge of securing sustainable funding for practice-oriented projects that may not attract the same resources as fundamental research.

Industry representatives value the direct pipeline of graduates equipped with problem-solving skills and the opportunity to co-create solutions through living labs and collaborative projects. Policymakers at European and national levels see applied institutions as essential partners in implementing strategies for smart specialisation and green transition.

Students and early-career researchers benefit from exposure to real-world projects that enhance employability. The conference programme deliberately includes space for student voices and practitioner input.

Challenges and Opportunities in European Applied Higher Education

Despite their strengths, applied universities face hurdles. Research assessment systems sometimes undervalue applied outputs in favour of high-impact journal publications. Funding mechanisms at EU and national levels can favour traditional research universities. Regulatory frameworks in some countries limit the degree-awarding powers or research autonomy of applied institutions.

Yet opportunities abound. The EU's focus on competitiveness, the green deal and digital sovereignty creates demand for the very type of innovation applied universities deliver. Horizon Europe and other programmes increasingly recognise the value of applied and mission-oriented research. Partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises, often overlooked by larger research institutions, offer fertile ground for impactful work.

Regional Impact and Case Examples

Applied universities frequently anchor regional innovation ecosystems. In the Netherlands, institutions like Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences collaborate with the city on challenges ranging from sustainable mobility to digital inclusion. Similar models exist in Austria, Belgium, Finland and other countries where universities of applied sciences maintain close ties with local industry clusters.

These collaborations generate measurable outcomes: new patents, spin-off companies, improved public services and enhanced workforce skills. The conference will showcase such examples to inspire replication and scaling across Europe.

Future Outlook for Demand-Driven Innovation

Looking ahead, the role of applied higher education is expected to grow. Demographic shifts, technological disruption and geopolitical tensions underscore the need for agile, responsive research and education systems. Institutions that successfully integrate teaching, research and regional engagement will be best positioned to thrive.

EURASHE's ongoing advocacy aims to ensure that policy frameworks recognise and support this distinctive contribution. The 2026 conference serves as both a celebration of current achievements and a forum for shaping the next phase of development.

Implications for Academic Careers and Institutional Strategy

For academics and administrators, the conference offers insights into emerging career pathways that value applied research alongside traditional scholarship. Institutions may consider new reward structures, professional development programmes and partnership models.

PhD-track job seekers and early-career researchers will find discussions on how applied institutions support diverse research profiles and industry secondments. University leaders can benchmark their own strategies against peers from across Europe.

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Practical Takeaways for the Higher Education Community

Participants are encouraged to leave with actionable ideas: new partnership frameworks, approaches to measuring regional impact, strategies for aligning curricula with innovation needs and ways to strengthen advocacy at national and European levels. The informal networking moments are designed to foster lasting connections that extend beyond the event.

Registration remains open until 31 May 2026, with options for students, members and non-members. Details on the full programme and speakers are available on the official EURASHE website.