The E³UDRES² alliance brings together universities of applied sciences to jointly enhance regional innovation ecosystems, working closely with businesses, public organisations and local communities.
During the visit, a group of critical friends from different countries of the E³UDRES² alliance conducted a series of structured conversations with representatives from Saxion and regional stakeholders. Drawing on the self‑evaluation report, prepared under the leadership of Ruud Koopman from the Regional Development research group, the critical friends explored how regional collaboration is being shaped, strengthened and supported within the alliance context. Participants included staff members, students, local government, SMEs and the regional company Thales.
While the sessions took place at Saxion in Deventer, the discussions reflected the broader E³UDRES² ambition to connect learning, research and innovation across regions. The critical friends emphasised the strong positioning of the alliance’s institutions within their respective regions, and discussed how campuses and communities benefit from shared expertise, applied research and talent development. Examples presented included initiatives such as the Smart Solutions Semester, in which students from various disciplines collaborate on real‑world challenges provided by industry partners, an approach that resonates across the E³UDRES² network.
Some of the key insights from the review included:
The need for continuous innovation within the rapidly evolving higher education landscape across the alliance.
Developing flexible learning pathways that blend work and study, supporting diverse student groups and promoting smoother transitions into the labour market.
Further strengthening the contribution of E³UDRES² institutions to regional strategies and shared societal challenges.
Highlighting impact and success stories more consistently to regional partners, including SMEs and local authorities.
Leveraging the full potential of applied sciences to transform knowledge and research into innovation, skills development and societal value.
The E³UDRES² alliance provides a shared platform for institutions to build upon these insights, enabling them to deepen collaboration with regional, national and European partners. Through this collective effort, the alliance continues to develop innovative approaches that support sustainable regional development and strengthen the ties between higher education, industry and society.
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Article created by: Saxion UAS
