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The future of higher education starts now COLOPHON FOREWORD
ECIU University Magazine is a publication of ECIU and was LEAD THE created in collaboration with U-Today, the independent journalistic medium at the CHANGE University of Twente. As we entered 2020, European citizens ECIU member universities are known Editorial team have never been so technologically and recognized for their innovative ap- U-Today & WP9 of advanced, knowledgeable and healthy proaches in learning, teaching, research ECIU University as any generations before. At the same and innovation. We have always colla- time, these citizens are facing profound borated with our surroundings and with This edition was created by challenges which cannot be tackled by the ECIU University we have the brave Maaike Platvoet individuals. Therefore, we started wor- ambition to lift this up to the European (editor-in-chief at U-Today), king on a joint European University: the level. ECIU University unites an impres- Sandra Pool ECIU University. This is more than just a sive amount of research capacity, infra (editor at U-Today), nice project: we are united by a common structure, partnerships and talents. The Rik Visschedijk, belief that the only way to solve these biggest challenge is to use this potential Michaela Nesvarova, common big challenges is by tackling and to get the organizations to work Rense Kuipers and them in cocreation with our societal and together on all levels. Jelle Posthuma industry partners. (editorial team of U-Today), We do that, as characterized in our Katrin Dircksen In 2030, students and life-long learners DNA, in an entrepreneurial and ambi- (Secretary ECIU), will study and work together in finding tious way and together with our sur- Sandra Antanaviciene solutions for future challenges. They roundings. Setting up a new European (ECIU University/ will have the unique opportunity and University should be seen as a collective Kaunas University), freedom to pick from an abundant set start up; where we try out new activities, Simona Šernauskienė and of relevant micro courses offered by experiment with innovation and challen- Aldona Tuur of universities and companies across Eu- ge ourselves. We co-create our future. Kaunas University of Technology. rope. Artificial Intelligence systems will A brave endeavor which will be difficult support the learners in matching their at moments and some innovations we Coordinated by competences and passions with educa- try out might fail. But ECIU is par excel- Sandra Pool & tional content. lence a group of universities which will Katrin Dircksen never stop pioneering and will lead the In the ECIU University, learners and em- change, because we know by experi- Design and layout by ployees will join teams upon their intrin- ence that solving challenges is about Mark Bouwhuis, sic motivation and competences. They challenging ourselves as well. Design agency Vanille will work together at different interna- (www.vanille.design) tional locations via telepresence. At the ECIU University - It’s on. same time, our learners will be inspired Printed by by our unique campus and research fa- Sander Lotze, SMG Group cilities. Our flexible educational offer will Project Director ECIU University (www.smg-groep.nl) incentivize our learners to come back throughout their lifetime to deepen their knowledge, shape their competences 13 UNIVERSITIES and keep challenging themselves.
Aalborg Universitat Tampere Kaunas University Tecnológico University University Autònoma University University of of Twente de Monterrey of Trento de Barcelona Technology 01 03 05 07 09 11 13 02 04 06 08 10 12 Hamburg Linköping Dublin City University INSA University of University University University of Aveiro Group Technology of Stavanger CONTENT
OPPORTUNITY TO 04 INNOVATE EDUCATION
FUTURE-PROOF STUDENTS 06
EUROPE’S POINT OF VIEW 07
CHALLENGE-BASED 08 ECIU UNIVERSITY IS BORN
MEET THE BOARD 09
SOCIETY QUEST EVENT 14
MODEL OF CHALLENGED- 17 BASED LEARNING
FINDING NEW SOLUTIONS TO 18 REAL-LIFE PROBLEMS
IN CBL THE ANSWER IS 20 NOT CLEAR AT THE END
THE 13 UNIVERSITIES 22 OF ECIU UNIVERSITY
MICRO-LEARNING 7 THEMES 24
Innovation Cooperation Education LIVING LABS 25
THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES Regional IN VIEW OF SDG 11 Science Entrepreneurship Mobility development 26 ‘This is our opportunity to
radically innovate our education’
The world is changing at a rapid pace and education is not an exception. ‘We can’t just lean back. We need to stay ahead of the game,’ says Olga Wessels, Head of ECIU Brussels Office. She explains why she believes that the European Universities Initiative, and the ECIU University in particular, are the way forward.
In your opinion, why is it important to characteristics. Firstly, European sustainable. We are making education create European Universities? Universities are alliances of partner more flexible. A degree is no longer that Wessels: ‘There is so much good in institutions across Europe that are important. It is about tackling societal the idea of universities working closely based on a joint, long-term strategy. challenges that you also personally together. The world is facing many Alliances need institutional commitment find important and interesting. At the challenges and these challenges from the highest level to every faculty ECIU University, you can build your own don’t care about country borders. and department. Secondly, there should learning path. We are at the forefront We need to work together to tackle be joint curricula delivered and 50% of innovation. And we have a big them and universities have a key role student mobility. Lastly, European advantage. We are not new kids on the to play. Universities are the centers of Universities should work towards a block. We have collaborated for more knowledge, there is a lot of expertise European degree, jointly offered by the than two decades. Now we just need and bright minds. ECIU University will alliance partners. So students would to step up our ambition, but we already bring this expertise closer together and not get a degree from one specific have trust among our partners and we reach-out to society to connect to real- university but from the entire alliance. know each other, which helps to deliver life issues. ECIU is not a new alliance. This is our opportunity to radically on our ambitions.’ We have been working together innovate education. We need to do that for more than twenty years and the in order to stay relevant in the future.’ How can we make sure that the network has made every member ECIU University and other European university stronger. We share expertise, Does the ECIU University have any Universities are a success? experience and implement each other’s unique characteristics that set it aside ‘I believe there are three keys to a best practices. The ECIU University is from other European Universities? successful European University. To start a perfect opportunity to step-up our ‘Of course, I think we are the best out with, we need support from Europe collaborations.’ of the seventeen funded universities. and its member states. We are very I’m very happy to work for ECIU. We bold in innovating education, but we What should be the main have a super clear brand. We are the need the national governments to be characteristics and objectives challenged-based university with a clear bold as well, to support us in getting of European Universities? focus on the Sustainable Development accreditation and so on. And we need ‘According to the European Goal 11: Make cities and human them to move fast, because we are Commission, there are three main settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and moving very fast. Secondly, European
4 ECIU MAGAZINE Text Michaela Nesvarova Photo Jean-Yves Limet
Universities are perfectly placed to create a strong European research area. We need European support for research collaborations. Lastly, we need clarity. We are running a pilot but we can’t use students as test cases – because regular educational programmes last at least four years, while we only have three years in the pilot. The European Commission has our a long-term commitment, but we need the same from them.
Do you believe this represents the future of education? ‘Yes, I honestly do. The European Universities’ Initative is a prestigious and revolutionary EU initative, with a lot of political attention and a relatively big budget of €5 million euro per funded alliance. It is really an honour to be part of this EU higher education revolution as ECIU. In twenty years, universities will need to be super international and connected with their partners. Education will change drastically. We can’t just sit around. We need to adapt. This is the way forward.’
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 5 Concept of a European University explained ‘ We will future-proof our students’
Professor Brian MacCraith, President of Dublin City Brian MacCraith University, and Eugenijus Valatka, Rector of Kaunas University of Technology, strongly believe in the concept of a European University. The two board members talk about co-creation, impact and the future of higher education.
Eugenijus Valatka
‘This is a very exciting project, because Europe’s expertise, innovation capacity Valatka: ‘Cocreation must be activated we are working towards the future of and creativity, the European Universities at national and regional levels. As the higher education,’ Brian MacCraith says. can have a significant impact globally. President of Lithuanian University ‘As a consortium of universities, we have The greatest challenges, such as climate Rectors’ Conference, I speak for the identified core elements that we think crisis, technological breakthroughs and most of higher education institutions are important to shape the university democratic issues, are not confined in Lithuania. I urge to work together of tomorrow based on components by the borders of any country or closely, more than ever. This means co- like challenge-based learning, student any region. Challenges are complex working as education institutions, but mobility, micro-credentials and life-long and common. We cannot solve them also with national governments, regional learning.’ separately. We need to work together, and municipal institutions, industry and even closer and in such a way, we have society at large. This way we will provide The DCU President firmly believes that not worked before.’ the required catalyst for education to these ingredients will help ECIU to stay relevant and to enable innovation.’ shape a new model of higher education. ‘Every step along the ‘By doing so, we will future-proof MacCraith: ‘The kick-off of the ECIU our graduates who will be ready to way will be a milestone’ University and the support of the work on the complex issues of today European Union is already a success and tomorrow. With challenge-based That is exactly what the ECIU University in itself. Of course, over the next learning, we invite social and industry is all about, confirms MacCraith. ‘The three years we will hit complexities in partners to contribute to our research European University model, with developing the governance but that is and education by articulating problem its focus on mobility and European to be expected in an ambitious pilot statements from their domains, so that integration, provides a great opportunity programme such as this. But the goal is our students get involved in real-life for us and for our students to stay in clear: to establish and embed a standard dilemmas and challenges.’ the center of European culture. As ECIU model for the European University of the universities, we all believe international future. And every step along the way will Valatka adds: ‘Keeping in mind all of cooperation is extremely important.’ be a milestone.’
6 ECIU MAGAZINE Europe’s
point of view
Vanessa Debiais-Sainton is Head of the Unit in charge of Higher Education policies and programme at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. The unit is the lead service for European policies on reform and modernisation of higher education and the new Vanessa Debiais-Sainton European Universities initiative.
‘Europe and the world are facing common strategy for education and, impressed by the originality and level unparalleled environmental, where relevant, for research and of ambition of your ground-breaking technological and societal transitions,’ innovation. ‘The objective is to empower vision. Allowing each student to define says Debiais-Sainton. ‘This requires students to be the actors of their own their own learning path will undoubtedly a smart transformation of our higher learning experience, by choosing what, empower them, boost their confidence education institutions to empower where and when to learn within a sound and self-esteem and make them people to address these big societal and guided European curriculum, become active and engaged citizens challenges.’ The European Commission supported by the new technologies that can each contribute to society in a sees universities as real game-changers. available. Another essential unique way. I also see a great potential ‘They bring together the excellence characteristic is the implementation of a in your micro-credentials model to allow existing in different parts of Europe challenge-based approach, by bringing professionals to enhance their skills and in different types of higher together students from different when needed and hence contributing education institutions. By pooling countries and different disciplines to to a smart upskill and re-skill of the together what they do best, these co-create, together with academics, Europe´s workforce. And I appreciate European Universities will increase their researchers and local companies, your challenge-based approach with attractiveness and competitiveness on a solutions to the biggest challenges of strong links to the United Nations worldwide scene.’ our time.’ Sustainable Development Goals. For me, this is exactly what the universities Co-create ‘Impressed’ of the future should be about, playing Debiais-Sainton expects the European According to her, the ECIU University an active role in positively shaping our Universities to develop a shared and fits this profile very well. ‘I am future world.’
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 7 Challenge-based ECIU University
is born Thursday, 7th of November 2019, saw the launch of the ECIU University, the first European University where learners and researchers cooperate with cities and businesses to solve real-life challenges.
Celebrating the status of European was ushered in with a meeting at University given by the EU, 13 members the Casa Convalescència, part of the of the European Consortium of Hospital of Santa Creu i Sant Pau. In the Innovative Universities (ECIU) met in scenery of this historical building, Màrius Barcelona to mark the official beginning Martínez, Vice Rector for International of their innovative university model. Relations at UAB, kicked off the launch This first joint meeting represents the event. Margarita Arboix, Rector of the first step in defining the objectives and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, ambitions of the university. The official welcomed everyone with an opening kick-off was hosted by Universitat speech. To finish, the floor was given Autònoma de Barcelona. to the president of ECIU, Victor van der Chijs. Afterwards, drinks and bites The evening before the official signature were served to toast the birth of session, the launch of ECIU University ECIU University.
8 ECIU MAGAZINE Text Sandra Pool Photos Juanma Peláez
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 9 Meet the board 1/4
Text A university with Rense Kuipers societal stakeholders on board
The ECIU University is not shy in taking a novel approach to its board. Not only board members of all the member universities call the shots, seven so-called societal stakeholders also take up a pivotal role on the board. According to ECIU President,
Victor van der Chijs, the new university wants ‘to be fully open to society’s questions and expectations.’ Victor van der Chijs
How is the board of If you count all the board members everyone having their own particular set ECIU University set up? and advisors, we already had a group of skills and tools. All the while knowing ‘Besides the rectors or presidents of of about forty people attending the that the concept isn’t set in stone. This the member universities, we also have first board meeting. To me, this already process requires constant attention, non-academic members on the board, shows the success of this concept and sharing of best practices and continuous including people from industry, a social dedication of everyone involved. With collaboration. But I can honestly say entrepreneur, two students and a local that many people at the conference the foundation – the commitment and mayor. It’s not that they have a mere table, it’s important to ensure that shared vision – is in place. Not only for advisory function, they are an integral everyone has the freedom and space the upcoming three years, but also for part of this board.’ to have their say and that everyone is at least the seven years after. We’re in it heard equally. I believe it adds to the for the long haul. After this three-year Why is it so important quality of the discussions. Still, to be pilot, we want to be known as one of the to have them on the board? both decisive and effective, we can’t leading consortia who can shape the ‘In this pilot phase of ECIU University, all be fully immersed in everything with future of education in Europe.’ we cluster our efforts around one UN such a large consortium. So a lot of it Sustainable Development Goal: to make boils down to trust. Luckily, at ECIU, cities and human settlements inclusive, we’ve known each other for quite a long safe, resilient and sustainable. Through time, so the trust is there. Now we’re ‘We want to be known challenge-based learning we are working entering an interesting new phase in towards achieving that goal. We think which we can experiment with a new as one of the leading this is the right way to deliver on society’s type of university for the next expectations. Our societal stakeholders three years.’ consortia who can play an important role in that regard. It’s not up to us as universities to Is everyone ready shape the future of decide what society needs, we think it’s for this experiment? supposed to be the other way around.’ ‘We all know we’re taking an education in Europe’ exceptionally exciting step with our How does it work in practice? approach for a European University. It’s ‘I have to admit: we have a big group. like we’re building a house together, with
10 ECIU MAGAZINE Meet the board 2/4
Text ‘I can’t wait Rense Kuipers to share my experience’
Petra Vorsteher is one of the so-called societal stakeholders
who are part of the ECIU University external board. She is a
pioneer in the mobile industry, a Silicon Valley veteran and
the international ambassador of the Hamburg University
of Technology.
Petra Vorsteher
‘The main reason I’m excited to be part learning are a real improvement over the working locally but always having an of this board, is that I truly believe in very old model of getting a degree and international impact for the companies this new educational model,’ Vorsteher that just being it. I think the true power I’ve been working with. My expertise begins. ‘This is the future of education of ECIU lies in the combination of having lies in having a local focus, but working and I want to help ECIU shape that a strong network and forms of both internationally. That’s always been part future with this university. And it’s online and offline education.’ of my life. And I see many similarities necessary, believe me. If you look at between my background and the plans education and research, especially in of ECIU University. I can’t wait to share the field of artificial intelligence, the ‘Ingredients to make my experience.’ USA has the gold medal and China has the silver medal. After that, there’s a big this project a major gap. I even dare to say there isn’t even a In a nutshell: bronze medal yet…’ success are in place’ • Vorsteher has over 30 years of ‘… Still, I do believe Europe has a big business experience in the US, Europe chance to not only get that bronze To get this project off the ground, and Asia and has been working in Silicon medal, but to push on to win gold. Vorsteher thinks it is important to get Valley since 1981. But we can only do it in collaboration. the message out and to get people to Through trust and by sharing knowledge visit each other and share. Everyone • In 2005, she was one of the first and experience. To me, ECIU has already in all the organisations will need to women globally to co-found a mobile proven that this works. It was developed embrace this project and realise that this company. This company, called Smaato, in an agile way, with regional universities creates societal impact. Once people grew to become one of the largest operating on a European scale.’ start realising how impactful this new independent mobile companies in way of working is, they will understand the world. According to Vorsteher the next step is and will want to become part of it.’ ECIU University. ‘I believe the ingredients to make this project a major success ‘I’m so excited to bring my own are in place. Using online courses and expertise into this. I’ve been working in microcredits as a new recognition of Silicon Valley since 1981. So I’m used to
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 11 Meet the board 3/4 ‘I want to be ‘We run different the student rights cities, but face advocate’ the same challenges’
Magne Bartlett, Onno van Veldhuizen, student at the University of Stavanger mayor of Enschede
‘The University of Stavanger asked me to be one of the ‘All good ideas are born and implemented in a city. So if you student board members of ECIU University. Besides this being are looking for societal impact, cities are the right place. That’s a very interesting learning experience for me, I’ve always been why, as the mayor of Enschede, I’m very excited to be part of a big advocate for more integration of Norway and Europe. In the ECIU board. Having a university in your city of knowledge my opinion, anything that can contribute to that, is a worthy is crucial. I am seeing that the solid borders between city cause to commit to. My motivation stems from making an and university of the past are becoming a more permeable impact. I did that first on a local level, followed by a regional, membrane. Which, to me, is a promising development.’ national and now on a European level.’ ‘The educational concept of the ECIU University is also ‘I think that the concept of microcredits can be a good promising in that regard. It’s something different than what business model for this European university. In Norway, we are used to. Nowadays, when students have reached their education is freely accessible, and I see a lot of universities mid-twenties and graduated, they get a diploma and that’s it. offering courses to businesses and their employees under It’s like a ready-made suit. What we need, however, is a tailor- their own local umbrella. Imagine what you can do on a made suit that grows with you. That’s a suit that is fit for the European level…’ future of education and society.’
‘My primary objective is to make sure that all students are ‘What mark I want to leave as a board member? I think it’s able to participate in one way or another, there should be no important to start by being modest and seeing and listening boundaries. Student rights should be front and centre, also where the energy goes in such a large consortium. What when it comes to microcredits. I want to be the advocate for I already suggested is a meeting with all the mayors of all those rights.’ the ECIU cities. We run different cities, but face the same challenges. Be it in open data, internet of things and drones that will be taking up the airspace above our cities. We can In a nutshell: collaborate to face these challenges head on.’
• Bartlett has over ten years of board experience. Including, but not limited to: In a nutshell: representative in the student parliament of both the University of Agder and the • In 1999, Onno van Veldhuizen became University of Stavanger, member of the mayor of the municipality of Nieuwkoop. central board in the Norwegian Union of He was the youngest mayor of the Students and student representative Netherlands at that time, at age 36. at the University of Stavanger’s executive board. • He has been mayor of Enschede since 2015. • Bartlett wrote his bachelor thesis in the 4th semester, freeing up his entire 3rd • Onno van Veldhuizen is also chairman year for a specialization in international of the MONT Urban Network, which relations, diplomacy and military history consists of the cities of Münster, at the Hawaii Pacific University. Osnabrück and the network city of Twente.
12 ECIU MAGAZINE Meet the board 4/4 Who else is on the board? Please meet:
Augustinas Laimonas Bytautas Daniele Finocchiaro Ángeles Guiteras holds a Bachelor Degree in New Media Is chairman of the Research and Is the executive manager of Asociación Language of Kaunas University of Innovation Committee at Confindustria, Bienestar y Desarrollo (ABD) in Technology (KTU). He has had several the Italian Employers’ Federation. Barcelona since 2000 and runs project management positions in numerous projects and activities for student committees or councils and Finocchiaro has more than twenty years people in vulnerable situations. in committees in a higher education of experience in the pharmaceutical institutions. He is a council member in industry, he was chairman and general ABD is a NGO created in the 1980’s the Lithuanian Students’ Union. manager of GlaxoSmithKline Italy, the and declared to be of public interest. largest pharmaceutical company in the It develops projects, services and He has developed his critical thinking country. He held several management programs that try to give an answer in the university Rectorate where he positions in the main organizations to vulnerable situations, which can presents and defends the interests of of the sector, as vice president of lead to social exclusion. Currently ABD students. He also has good negotiation Farmindustria and of Confindustria manages more than 70 services and skills developed in his position as a Verona, and as president of the projects that involve more than 100.000 student leader. chemical-pharmaceutical section of people with a team of over 2.000 Confindustria Verona. He has been workers and 440 volunteers. Bytautas has experience in local project appointed by the Local Government as management. He has worked as an President of the Board of Directors of Ángeles Guiteras is also a lecturer in assistant for Erasmus+ and as a project the University of Trento. the Master’s program on drug addiction manager in KTU Student’s association at the Faculty of Pscychology at the and KTU student organizations. He holds a degree in International University of Barcelona. economics from Bocconi University in Milan and a Master’s degree in Health Isabel Damasceno Vieira economics from Tor Vergata University de Campos Costa in Rome. He spent a year at the J. Nehru is President of Coordination Commission University in New Delhi, India, to carry for the Regional Development of the out studies on the country’s economy. Central Region of Portugal (CCDRC), a public service role with responsibility to coordinate the environmental and territorial policies and services of the region while supporting local authorities and associations.
As President of CCDRC, she has particular responsibilities for the application and management of regional funds. She has held many roles, including as an elected official, in service to the municipalities of the region and in other areas of Portugal, such as Mayor of the city of Leiria from 1998 to 2009. Isabel Damasceno Vieira de Campos Costa has a degree in Economics from the University of From left to right Coimbra Portugal. Daniele Finocchiaro, Magne Bartlett, Augustinas Laimonas Bytautas, Onno van Veldhuizen, Petra Vorsteher and Bernat Jiménez de Cisneros (City of Barcelona, guest/speaker at the ECIU University Board meeting)
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 13 ‘Challenges are like Matroesjka’s’
Using so-called Social Quest Events, ECIU University brings the outside world inside. In this way, they hope to nourish education and research with inspiring challenges. The first edition was held in February in Linköping. Ten parties pitched a total of thirty challenges related to Sustainable Development Goal 11.
The last word is far from being spoken The Östergötland Region kicks things of the Center for Teaching and Learning about the very first Social Quest Event off. This fast-growing region of Sweden, at Hamburg University of Technology (SQE). Ideas sparked by the event a two hours’ drive from Stockholm, and Svante Gunnarsson, Professor at continue to roll out. Discussions, too. is struggling with residents who, for Linköping University, discuss the first And questions, of course. And that one various reasons, do not use digital session. Questions such as ‘How much question in turn leads to another. ‘It’s like services. The challenge here? Digital time can students spend on a case?’ a Matroesjka, a Russian doll,’ people say inclusion for all citizens to avoid having and ‘Is there a financial picture behind jokingly. And that’s just what it’s like. A these citizens experience a lower degree a challenge?’ are mulled over. ‘Students challenge can be dissected like a series of service and exclusion from public must also learn to deal with limitations in of smaller and smaller nesting dolls. You debate. terms of both time and budget,’ never finish talking about it. says Gunnarsson. Next, it’s on to Lithuania. The city of A glimpse into the problems Kaunas would like to be a role model Andrea Brose explains that challenges This first SQE starts with a series for other learning cities in the country. can be approached in various ways. of presentations. Movies, slides A strategy is already in place, but a ‘We can divide them into parts. Group and infographics undergo review. structure for performance evaluation one works on the first part and the Stakeholders have a chat. They are is still needed. Barcelona, also in next group continues where the first delegates from municipalities, non- attendance, is dealing with very different group left off. In that way, you weave governmental organisations and issues, such as a structural shortage of things together into a cohesive whole.’ regional development agencies. affordable housing for middle- and low- She says that a challenge can also take Quickly, they provide a glimpse into the income families. A plan of action has three months or a semester and that problems with which they are dealing already been developed: the Barcelona gradations can be made in the level. – as a municipality, as a region or as an Right to Housing Plan. The climate ‘From beginner’s level to top level and innovation hub. Frequently heard terms emergency remains an issue. Challenge everything in between.’ include stimulating economic growth, enough energy transition, mobility ‘How are things going?’ Ask Jan and digitalisation. ‘Dealing with time and budget’ Axelsson, the organiser of the event. ‘So During the break, Andrea Brose, Head far, so good. We’re hearing and seeing
14 Text Sandra Pool Photo Myung Hwa Baldini
many similarities. It’s good that each verify that local actions have sufficient emergency and risk situations, energy participant is telling a bit about the effect on C02 reduction in an open transition and female poverty reduction region. That offers an added dimension.’ economy’, the city of Linköping strategies. Jan Alexsson is pleased After the break, among other topics, the wonders. They ponder this question with with the arrival of this NGO. ‘They presentations focus on cruise ships that the goal in mind of becoming a carbon have wonderful insight into regional are docked at the very heart of the city emission neutral city by 2025. ‘We’re issues. In my opinion, academics should of Stavanger. ‘As a municipality, we want nearly there.’ cooperate much more with NGOs.’ to assess ways to collect, open, share and present data and facts about cruise ‘Greater cooperation with NGOs’ Looking back, Wilbert Pontenagel tourism, the ships and the visitors’, says The Associació Benestar of the University of Twente says that Helene Odegaard of the Municipality of Desenvolupament is an NGO from most of the challenges have the same Stavanger. Spain dedicated to helping the most starting point. ‘But that the results will vulnerable in society. Mònica Plana be different everywhere.’ The keynote Environmental issues are also discussed Izquierdo sets out three challenges that follows given by Sara Gustafsson in depth. ‘How can we measure and relating to access to social housing in concurs with that. The Associate
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 15 The model of
challenge-based learning
Professor of Linköping University and regional growth. Questions relate to People all around Europe are asking ECIU UNIVERSITY talks about the role of municipalities topics such as the information required. to obtain relevant and state-of-the- for sustainable city development. Are all the data available to start to art knowledge and skills in order to ‘Various parties within a municipality work on a challenge? ‘There must be solve global challenges. Learners, are concerned with sustainability. The some common information or measuring researchers, industry and society municipality acts as the anchor around instruments’, says Svante Gunnarsson. can pose challenges on the ECIU which all sorts of things happen.’ Her ‘There are various types of information’, University platform where challenges research shows that it is important to says Filipe Teles of the University of are listed according to the sustainable No. No. No. develop approaches that fit the local Aveiro. These include mathematical development goals of the United conditions and have respect for other models, but it’s also about design issues, Nations. In the current pilot phase, actors’ understanding of ‘sustainable the political agenda and the sustainable the ECIU University focuses on SDG SEND NEW CHALLENGE development.’ development goals.’ 11: make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. CHALLENGE CHALLENGE Four tables, four topics Sander Lotze, project director of ECIU, CHALLENGE The day concludes with a workshop. At agrees: ‘The content of the challenges The challenges will be worked out by four tables, the participants discuss the is interesting. We still have to talk teams in which learners and employees topics green mobility, digital inclusion, about the form. Perhaps the students from industry and society will work PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS TEAM circular economy and co-creation. themselves should take part next together, supported by training teams ‘It’s really up to you now’, says Jan time?’ Fortunately, there are another 32 of teachers. Axelsson. At the green mobility table, Society Quest Events on the agenda for it soon becomes clear that it is all about the coming years. More than enough During the project, the team members TEACHERS LEARNERS COMPANIES mobility, the impact on the environment time to find the right format. notice that they lack certain skills to continue the project. Therefore, they TEAMCHER
take micro-credentials which are CHALLENGE No. offered by all 13 ECIU universities. They can range from online courses to study MICRO-CREDENTIALS packages at a university to summer JOIN OUR TEAM schools to research projects.
After the successful completion, all learning will be documented in a European competence passport. Micro-credentials, as well as all skills CHALLENGE obtained through the project are listed in the passport and can be renewed and complemented at any time. Every challenge ends with a specific outcome, which can be spin-offs, new research questions, new challenges and most importantly a better and more sustainable world.
SDG 11
16 ECIU MAGAZINE ECIU UNIVERSITY
No. No. No.
SEND NEW CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE CHALLENGE CHALLENGE
PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS TEAM
TEACHERS LEARNERS COMPANIES
TEAMCHER
CHALLENGE No.
MICRO-CREDENTIALS JOIN OUR TEAM
CHALLENGE
SDG 11
17 Challenge-based education as a core for teaching and research
‘Finding new solutions
to real-life problems’
ECIU University places the challenge-based Text Hamburg University of Technology approach at the centre of its pedagogics, research Kaunas University of Technology and innovation. Andrea Brose, Head of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Hamburg University of Technology, talks about the added value of this form of education.
What is challenge-based education? community can profit from the work at How does this form of ‘Challenge-based education (CBE) the university and new collaborations education work in practice? puts relevant challenges from real life can be developed. The learning process ‘The approach follows a specific in the centre of student learning. Using is now seen from both the students’ and structure, which consists of three teaching methods similar to the project- the facilitators’ point of view. That can main steps: engage, investigate and based and problem-based learning, this be a motivating factor for both sides. act. The challenge has to motivate approach motivates students by letting The framework of teaching is flexible students, here begins the engagement them work in teams on a relevant topic. enough to be optimised for different part. When working on the ‘Big ‘CBE profits from internal motivation circumstances, so it can be adapted to Idea’, for example health or public and creates opportunities for finding individual needs.’ transportation, engagement is the new solutions to real-life problems. basis for a satisfying process. All the Students are in charge of their learning What countries have already participants, teachers, students and process and it allows teachers and applied challenge-based education? external partners make sure that they other stakeholders to contribute to ‘Our affiliated partner, Tec de Monterrey agree on the final question to work on. lifelong learning. The approach makes in Mexico, has already introduced this Investigation makes sure they all are ‘on a difference and proposes a deep, concept to its campus in 2008. Also, the same page’ and contribute with their engaging, meaningful and purposeful challenge-based learning has emerged knowledge and skills concerning the ‘Big way of acquiring and developing the in Australia, Spain, The Netherlands, Idea’. Depending on the circumstances, knowledge and skills needed for Denmark and Germany. At Hamburg it could be possible to realise own the future.’ University of Technology there are research during this phase.’ several projects and learning settings What are the main strengths close to the idea of CBL, for example our ‘Action is important because partners of this teaching method? Interdisciplinary Bachelor Project: can use gained and shared knowledge ‘Students, teachers and the whole Open Topic.’ to actually design and prototype new
18 ECIU MAGAZINE We are living in times, where the term challenge has become our everyday reality. The challenges the world is facing today cross national borders and penetrate diverse fields of societal development: environmental protection, sustainable production, healthcare, human rights and many more. The complexity of problems makes it difficult for citizens, businesses and even national institutions to find solutions on solutions. The implementation of the Who can participate in challenge- their own. prototype and the evaluation is crucial. based education at ECIU University? A final presentation in public makes ‘At first, the focus will be on Master- However, the challenges also sure a difference is made. The learning level challenges. Students need to have provide the opportunity for higher process is transparent for all members at least 90 ECTS, if not, a completed education to develop an appropriate of the community.’ bachelor’s degree is required. Lifelong educational approach that is learners can also participate in solving constructed to address problems How do the Innovation of Education the challenge either to obtain a emerging from real-life situations. Labs help challenge-based education? promotion in their work field, to further New learning processes need to ‘These are the places where qualified educate themselves, or because it is make a difference and propose deep, instructors of any level can receive needed for the ever increasing pace of engaging and meaningful way of support in how to implement CBE in change in the work and life.’ developing the knowledge and skills their classroom. Support begins with for the future. creating the learning environment Can a challenge-based and ends with the assessment phase. university become a reality? Adapting its long-standing ECIU University will set up Innovation ‘Yes, it can! It just needs a lot of change experience and successful of Education Labs at each partner in the mindset of traditional education. implementation of problem-based university. The Labs will be physical 200 years ago Wilhelm von Humboldt learning, ECIU University takes this and virtual spaces where teachers can created a university as we have it today. concept one step further and places innovate and implement their teaching I am not saying that we are the next the challenge-based approach as a ideas, meet peers and share best Humboldtians, but one has to have core for its pedagogics, research practices.’ courage, ideas, energy and persistence.’ and innovation.
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 19 Challenges ‘In CBL, the answer is not clear at the end’
Societal stakeholders submit challenges to help Text Sandra Pool structure the curriculum of ECIU University. And, as it turned out after the first Society Quest Event, those challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Thirty challenges have now been pitched. We’d like to present a number of them.
Deficit of highly trained staff Bridging Blois and Bourges Boosting user-centred design skills Rogério Carlos of Aveiro Inter-municipal The dynamics of a campus stand Nicola Doppio, representative of Hub Community in Portugal discusses the and fall with good accessibility. Innovazione Trentino (HIT) says that shortage of highly educated personnel The Institut National des Sciences his organisation decided to launch an in his region. ‘We need a better match Appliquées Centre Val de Loire lacks innovation contest: ‘Which is aimed at between educational offer and labour a solid connection between two of its helping small- and medium enterprises market. There is a deficit of highly campuses, the cities Blois and Bourges. (SMEs) to innovate with their digital trained staff in several professional This challenge is about the realisation products, such as mobile apps, web areas.’ Carlos says that this is a of a regular transport system in the apps or software. We do this with user- problem throughout the region, in all heart of the Val de Loire. ‘There is no experience design talents coming from municipalities. ‘So it wasn’t difficult to direct train and no highway that directly the University of Trento, as well as from submit a challenge.’ He already has ideas connects Blois and Bourges,’ explains design firms.’ on possible ways forward. ‘We have to Marc Lethiecq of the Institut National involve the family and not just promote des Sciences Appliquées. ‘Students and Doppio explains that many SMEs face university education to potential staff need to move from one campus to multiple barriers in engaging in open students. It’s a family matter. We need the other for various events, sometimes innovation activities with end users. to get the parents involved in the story, on a weekly basis. Proper accessibility is ‘Barriers are primarily the lack of R&D too.’ This means that the region has to required here to maintain and enhance structure and skills and costs. The user- promote the academic success of the inter-campus activities’ According to friendly experience of digital products University of Aveiro much more. It also Lethiecq, the objective is first to develop is not optimal because designers are has to increase the quality and quantity regular transport services, at least not involved. Our challenge is to help of academic results and making the several times per day in both directions, companies to develop and improve educational offer more attractive and between Blois and Bourges. ‘Eco- their products.’ adjusted to the students’ expectations. friendly, safe and convenient for people to use. Services such as these are also expected to help attract new companies and institutions to settle in the region.’
20 ECIU MAGAZINE ‘It is a problem throughout the region, so, it wasn’t difficult to submit a challenge’
With the challenges in hand, it other proposals deserve to be is now important for the expert further explored.’ Filipe Teles of the group at ECIU University to arrive University of Aveiro adds: ‘What at a final definition with which a we need to keep in mind is that, challenge must comply. According in challenge-based learning, the to Andrea Brose, Head of the answer is not clear at the end. We Center for Teaching and Learning at know we have this problem, but Hamburg University of Technology, we don’t know what the answer is. not all proposals immediately lend That makes some of the questions themselves to education. ‘Some challenges and others projects.’ issues are more consultative and
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 21 SINCE 1974 SINCE 2004
AALBORG UNIVERSITY 1 UNIVERSITY OF STAVANGER 5
24.000 STUDENTS 5.000 STAFF 12.000 STUDENTS 1.600 STAFF
Ranked as the best European Produces more business ideas per researcher university for engineering. than any other university in Norway.
SINCE 1989 The 13 universities DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY 2 of ECIU
Infographic made by 17.000 STUDENTS 3.000 STAFF Marieke Abbink
Ireland’s University of Enterprise, leading 5 for licensing and innovation partnerships with SMEs and multinational companies. 11 2 1
SINCE 12 1957 4 13
INSA INSTITUT NATIONAL Mexico, Monterrey DES SCIENCES APPLIQUÉES 3 3 8 16.800 STUDENTS 2.800 STAFF 6 Since they were created, Groupe INSA and INSA Toulouse have implemented a model based 9 on innovation and diversity, invented by one of its founders, the philosopher Gaston Berger.
SINCE SINCE 1943 1973
TECNOLÓGICO DE MONTERREY 4 UNIVERSITY OF AVEIRO 6
89.641 STUDENTS 10.117 STAFF 15.000 STUDENTS 1.650 STAFF
Is in the Top 25 Undergraduate Schools Best practice by the National Strategic (NO. 14) of the Princeton Review’s Top Schools Reference Framework Observatory, for Entrepreneurship Studies for 2018. for its close cooperation with the region.
22 ECIU MAGAZINE SINCE SINCE 1965 1922
KAUNAS UNIVERSITY TAMPERE UNIVERSITY 7 OF TECHNOLOGY 10
19.000 STUDENTS 4.000 STAFF 9.818 STUDENTS 2.112 STAFF
From the beginning of 2019 Tampere University of Return on Investment of business Technology and University of Tampere constitute incubator Startup Space is 600 % - taxes Finland’s most diverse university community. paid by startups in 5 years exceed the investment of the KTU 6 times.
SINCE SINCE 1962 1975
UNIVERSITY OF TRENTO 8 LINKÖPING UNIVERSITY 11 7 17.000 STUDENTS 1.320 STAFF 27.000 STUDENTS 4.000 STAFF
Leading University in Italy for quality of research Produced the highest number of and education. At the center of the economic and innovative spinouts in Sweden during social innovation in the Trentino region. the last decade. 10
SINCE 1978
HAMBURG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY 12
7.620 STUDENTS 708 STAFF
Offers one of the top 5 combined Management and Engineering study degree programs in Germany.
SINCE 1968 SINCE 1964 UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA 9 UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE 13
34.080 STUDENTS 10.314 STAFF 11.000 STUDENTS 2.950 STAFF
Led the UAB-CIE Sphere, comprising of scientific, Europe’s most entrepreneurial technological and business parks, multinational university with more than companies, SMEs, foundations and city councils. 700 spin-offs.
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 23 ‘ With Living Labs we can tackle global challenges’
One instrument to further develop the To become a future-proof institution, universities will have to develop new future universities are so-called Living Labs. educational and research models, says Fernando Vilariño. ‘The classic vision Fernando Vilariño, Associate Professor at on universities has been challenged. All information can be found on the internet Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and with just one mouse click. Universities are no longer the gatekeepers of Associate Director of the Computer Vision information and knowledge. Therefore we need to transform our institutions. Center, explains how these labs contribute Our hypothesis is that Living Labs can be an instrument for the development of to challenge-based learning. these reinvented universities.’
‘The core idea is that present-day challenges cannot be solved by individual institutions alone. With Living Labs we tackle these challenges since we use a multi-stakeholder, user-
24 ECIU MAGAZINE Text Jelle Posthuma
‘We use a multi-stakeholder and user-centric approach’
centric approach: connecting citizens, recognition, autonomous driving and policymakers, universities and private assisted diagnosis.’ organizations.’ Vilariño continues: ‘A Fernando Vilariño is the president of Living Lab can be linked to Digital Citizens participate in the innovation the European Network of Living Labs Innovation Hubs (DIHs), for example. process, Vilariño stresses. ‘Living Labs (ENoLL). The network was started These hubs are promoted by the place citizens in the center of the 14 years ago (in 2006) by the EU European Commission to stimulate innovation process, not only as factors Commission to stimulate open innovation digitalization. DIHs will appear as entry from which to obtain data. We use in Europe. Up to now, the network has points. Companies can knock on the real-life communities and settings. It labeled 470 Living Labs around the world. door in search for knowledge, for is not a lab by its classic definition. To example about artificial intelligence.’ understand new models of mobility, to stimulate cultural heritage co-creation ‘Citizens in the center of research’ or to study behavioral change for well- Living Labs will contribute to being, we transform normal streets in exploratory research, on social impact Eindhoven, public libraries in Barcelona, and anticipatory regulation, Vilariño or public hospitals in Helsinki into a explains. ‘If we use the example of living laboratory. By doing so, we can artificial intelligence, a Living Lab anticipate the impact this will have on could explore the possibilities of facial our cities and lives.’
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 25 ‘Micro-learning varies from online courses to study packages’
There is a growing demand from students and employers for smaller, just in time and just enough stackable units of learning. ECIU University is ready to fill that gap and offers a wide range of micro-learning opportunities. Henri Pirkkalainen and Mark Brown talk about micro-credentials and flexible learning modules.
What are ECIU learning drawing on contemporary pedagogies. modules and micro-credentials? For this reason, ECIU University will Pirkkalainen: ‘The modules will engage offer its students modules from various students in challenges that range from areas ranging from engineering and regional to international societal issues. ICT to management. Challenge-based They work together with other students, learning will be a “signature pedagogy” researchers, industry leaders and people underpinning the learning experience of working in the community to overcome many ECIU University modules.’ these critical issues.’ Brown: ‘In adopting this CBL approach Brown: ‘Students have flexibility to select many of the modules will flip traditional relevant micro-learning modules based teaching methods by actively engaging on their own needs. For example, during learners in solving real problems. In some Mark Brown the challenge a group of learners will cases, ECIU University learners will join Director at National Institute find out that they lack certain knowledge other students from different parts of for Digital Learning, or skills to solve the challenge. They Europe to work together on a challenge Dublin City University will be given an opportunity to take that seeks to develop solutions for both micro-learning modules related to the public and private sector.’ challenge they are working on. Micro- learning offerings will range from online What are the main strengths courses to study packages, to summer of micro-credentials? schools, to courses from industry. Pirkkalainen: ‘Students will have improved access and control over What is the link to their own learning outcomes and they challenge-based education? will have more flexibility to develop Pirkkalainen: ‘The learning modules personalized learning pathways.’ will be designed with a thematic focus on the United Nation Sustainable Brown: ‘Also, the ECIU University will Development Goals, with a specific play an important role in contributing emphasis on Sustainable Cities and to wider discussions across Europe to Henri Pirkkalainen Communities. Achieving this requires help further develop and standardise Associate Professor at Information a highly interdisciplinary approach the rapidly emerging micro-credential and Knowledge Management Unit, movement.’ Tampere University
26 ECIU MAGAZINE Text ‘Universities create future’ Kaunas University of Technology The role of universities in view of SDG 11
In this pilot phase, ECIU University focuses on challenges related to UN Sustainable Development Goal 11. Professor Eglė Staniškienė, from the Sustainable Management Research group of Kaunas University of Technology, explains the role of European universities in the light of sustainable development. Eglė Staniškienė
‘Does the future university have to and responsibility to various interest Facts & Figures chase the society, or does it have groups. If future industry is developed • SDG 11: make cities and human to run in the frontline? I believe that according to sustainable development settlements inclusive, safe, resilient a successful university has to work principles, the prospective university and sustainable hand in hand with society,’ says Eglė will need strong inter-disciplinary • Half of humanity – 3,5 billion people – Staniškienė. ‘The university community studies and research.’ lives in cities today has to be conscious about the impact • By 2060, almost 60% of the world’s of their innovation and development. While discussing the role of the future population will live in urban areas It means not only solving the most university, Staniškienė mentions a • 828 million people live in slums today relevant challenges, but also having relatively recent history: the Magna • The world’s cities occupy just 3% of in mind the possible outcomes of Charta Universitatum, which was the Earth’s land, but account for reverse processes: deepening of the signed in 1988 while celebrating the 60-80% of energy consumption social exclusion, negative impact on 900th birthday of Bologna University. and 75% of carbon emissions environment and ecosystems.’ ‘It reflects on the mission of the future university quite precisely. One of Targets by 2030 ‘Open, inclusive and diverse’ its chapters says: ‘In today’s world, • Access for all to adequate, Therefore, the professor says, the universities’ task of spreading safe and affordable housing universities have to focus on values, knowledge among younger generations • Access to basic service responsibility and ethics. ‘They should implies that they must also serve • Upgrade slums be open and inclusive, facilitate diversity society as a whole’. I believe that a • Provide sustainable transport and be fundamentally interdisciplinary successful university should be able to system for all in its approach to both teaching and gather together academic community, • Reduce the adverse per capita research. Universities create future and students and organisations to work environmental impact of cities are responsible for new relationships on environmental problems, reducing • Reduce number of death and people between the young generation and social exclusion and other relevant affected by disasters with a focus industry. This means the formation of sustainable development issues.’ on protecting the poor and people the culture of dialogue, the commitment in vulnerable situations
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 27 Summer schools
Are you looking for an inspiring way to spend your summer? The ECIU Contact your International Summer Schools offer you several high-quality courses to choose from, Office about free tickets and all of which will allow you to gain cultural insights together with other international students from all over the world. Go abroad, celebrate the discounts for ECIU students! summer and discover Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, ….!
Tampere University, Hamburg University of Universitat Autònoma de Finland Technology (TUHH), Germany Barcelona, Spain Tampere Summer School Building Bridges: Leuphana meets Make the best of your summer TUHH. Joint training days for young Date researchers Date 3 – 14 August Two 3-week periods from late June to Fee Date early August €280 for a course of 2 ECTS | €420 for a 24 - 26 August Fee course of 3 ECTS | € 560 for a course of Fee €840 each course (6 ECTS) 20% 4 ECTS | € 700 for a course of 5 ECTS Free of charge discount for students from ECIU Place Consortium What to expect? TUHH, Hamburg & Leuphana University, Tampere Summer School offers a great Lueneburg What to expect? selection of inspiring courses covering The summer school offers subjects worth various academic fields and up-to-date What to expect? transferable ECTS from all fields. Most of topics. The Summer School is intended for During this three-day summer school, Ger- the courses, which have 6 ECTS credits, are university and applied university students man and international doctoral students taught in English, with an option to learn and graduates from all over the world. It’s and postdocs from the broad discipli- and improve your Spanish as a Foreign open for Bachelor and Master’s degree nary range of both universities will work Language. There is a Buddy Programme and PhD students. All courses are taught in mixed groups, learning how to build offered: meet local students who can show in English. Application period is bridges through communication. They you around Barcelona Courses at the UAB 1 April – 15 May. need this key competence for internati- Campus, a natural environment with the onal research collaborations, for profes- best services: sports, leisure, culture and University of Twente, sional communication in interdisciplinary accommodation 35’ from Barcelona’s The Netherlands teams, and for the transition from universi- city centre. CuriousU ty culture to the labour market. Kaunas University of Date University of Stavanger, Technology (KTU), Lithuania 9 – 18 August Norway 5th International PhD Summer School Fee The Conductor’s Week €750 Early bird fee | Date Regular fee €875 euro Date 17 - 21 August 10 – 14 August Fee What to expect? Fee Early bird and ECIU doctoral students The CuriousU experience is a one of a €300 - €400 €250 | Regular €300 kind combination of a European summer school and a festival. Excellent academic What to expect? What to expect? courses, music, sports, theatre and The Conductor’s Week is Norway’s largest It provides the opportunity for inspirational speakers at one place. The conducting course, hosting over 100 intellectually curious doctoral students broad range of courses that are given participants and a teaching staff of 15-20 to explore new knowledge, to expand are based on the hottest research fields, acclaimed conductors and educators. The cultural awareness and to exchange which include but are not limited to; future Conductor’s Week is held at the Faculty experience. The PhD Summer School will health technologies, finance bootcamp of Performing Arts at the University equip participants with essential skills for smart business, health & happiness, of Stavanger, and located in Bjergsted that are necessary in all fields of science, Robotics, Water and Earth observations. Culture Park – the heart of Stavanger’s and provide them valuable networking cultural district. opportunity with participants from other countries.