Stakeholders’ Meeting at VIKO Strengthens HEROES Ties with the Region

On 7 May, Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution (VIKO) hosted a meeting with local stakeholders to present the activities of the HEROES European University Alliance, share key achievements from its first year, and discuss future directions for cooperation.

The discussion covered the main HEROES activity areas: joint study programmes, challenge-based learning, applied research, lifelong learning opportunities, mobility schemes, the virtual campus, and community-building initiatives. The HEROES project team also explored concrete cooperation opportunities with each organisation individually.

Jolanta Lapinskaitė-Vaitulionienė, Project Manager at the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, highlighted the alliance’s strong focus on practice-based learning, regional resilience, and closer cooperation between higher education and business.

“During the meeting, particular attention was given to student engagement in real company activities and internships, which help develop practical skills and respond better to labour market needs. We also emphasised the importance of social partners in creating long-term impact and strengthening international cooperation. It is encouraging that the role of Vilnius CCIC is seen as an important bridge between the academic community and the business sector,” said J. Lapinskaitė-Vaitulionienė.

Insights were also shared by representatives of AgriFood Lithuania DIH:

“We are already collaborating with VIKO in project-based activities, so we clearly see the mutual benefits of this partnership. Hackathons and challenge labs initiated by AgriFood Lithuania bring practical problem-solving into the educational process — students work in teams to address real business challenges. After such events, companies receive concrete solutions, while students gain valuable knowledge and skills,” shared Dr Ingrida Krogertė.

The active engagement of local stakeholders and the shared commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and internationally connected higher education ecosystem set a strong foundation for continued cooperation.

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Organisations interested in contributing to international cooperation, innovation, and the development of future talents are warmly invited to join the HEROESFriends community. Whether you are a company, NGO, public authority, school, or research institution, your expertise can become part of a wider European collaboration network.

Learn more and register at heroesuniversity.eu/heroes-friends.