We are thrilled to announce HEROES has been selected as an official European University Alliance under the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission. All nine HEROES members are looking forward to deepening collaboration in professional (lifelong) education and practice-oriented scientific research.
Read the full press release below to discover how HEROES is now set to strengthen the resilience of our regions through digital innovations.
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Our Purpose
In our rapidly changing world, one enduring truth emerges: the only constant is change itself. To face this dynamic reality, we need heroes to ensure resilience in all EU’s regions, and strong local ecosystems.
A fruitful HEROES partnership already exists, it is now ready for thenext level
Responsivenessand resilience at local level are crucial: the effects of today’s globalchallenges are strongly experienced at the grassroots level, practicalsolutions for local use are urgently needed. The partners of HEROES are locatedand firmly established in small and medium-sized cities and thus ideally placedto both come up with contextualised innovative solutions that work andimplement them effectively in cooperation with local stakeholders.
Our Actions
Our long-term strategy is based on 3 strategic flagships that cover the knowledge square of education, research, innovation and service to society. These flagships are the main pillars of our HEROES inter-university campus.
The educational programmes empower students with practical knowledge and skills to address multiple crises from a local and regional perspective. Joint minor and master programmes integrate theoretical knowledge with challenge-based modules, particularly in those areas that contribute to the smart regional resilience of people, businesses and nature. Skills and competencies for applying digital tech solutions in a human-centred, nature-positive and resilience-enhancing way are key. In this way, we give local ecosystems the capacity to withstand disruptions.
In jointly designed challenge-based learning programmes, knowledge- and innovation-creating teams composed of students, lecturers, researchers and representatives from local businesses and communities collaborate on real-life local challenges. In synergy, the Alliance establishes a practice-oriented scientific research hub bringing together experts from different fields around transversal topics. They mix and match their expertise to pursue shared, challenge-based research agendas. All challenge-based initiatives of the Alliance enhance the resilience of local communities, businesses, and natural environments in surrounding regions through innovative practical solutions, tailor-made practice-oriented scientific research and bespoke knowledge and technology transfer.
Jointly created flexible courses and trainings for both professionals and staff of the HEROES institutions foster upskilling, reskilling and enhanced employability opportunities. The offer focuses on skills for the twin green and digital transition and on transversal skills, leading to digitally badged micro-credentials. Online courses and ‘MOOCs for credits’ will respond to the use of artificial intelligence, anticipating the automation of skills, and recognising observed skills needs in terms of resilience of people, businesses and nature.
The 3 flagships are the main pillars of the HEROES inter-university campus. The flagships are fortified and built on a solid base of joint structures and initiatives that feed, reinforce and support them. These structures and initiatives foster solid governance and a transnational multistakeholder ecosystem, support and streamline mobilities, and establish a green, inclusive and resilience-oriented community, in addition to a virtual campus. These are the indispensable cornerstones to achieve a green and inclusive HEROES inter-university campus.
About Heroes
The HEROES Alliance is a bond between 9 professional HEIs from 9 EU member states with a shared set of unique characteristics that contribute to the successful achievement of our purpose. These are our superpowers.
We have a strong basis for next-level cooperation as we build further on existing and successful bilateral and multilateral partnerships and cooperation agreements.
Our geographical footprint encompasses broad and balanced regional coverage in Europe, ensuring close proximity and easy accessibility for students, lifelong learners, and local partners.
We offer professional and applied sciences-focused tertiary and continuing education. Our programmes are tailored to professional needs and societal challenges.
We conduct innovative practice-oriented scientific research that is demand-driven, addresses societal challenges and has a direct impact on professional practice and society.
We operate within and actively shape local and regional innovation ecosystems, collaborating with SMEs, industry, authorities, civil society, NGO’s and traditional universities.
We are agile, which means we are capable to respond quickly and iteratively to evolving needs, labour market shortages and changing knowledge and skills opportunities.
Partners
Contact us
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