The role of universities in Europe is increasingly changing and their traditional positioning as centres of learning and research is undergoing a transformation towards institutions driving (and expected to drive) innovation and social change. With Europe now home to nearly 5,000 higher education institutions, supporting 17.5 million university students, 1.35 million teachers, and 1.17 million researchers their economic clout and social role is undeniable.
Recognising this growing importance, the European Strategy for Universities (2022) emphasises that the universities have a central part to play in leading the twin green and digital transitions and boosting more than ever innovation in the fields. By 2030, the EU aims for 45% of 25–34 year olds to achieve tertiary education qualifications. This ambitious goal reflects the urgent need for advanced skills in today’s competitive global market. This moreover fits with the engagement universities have made to become centres of innovation and creation – an engagement known as the ‘Third Mission’.
Despite their pivotal role, many universities face structural challenges. A public funding report by the European University Association showed that the current uncertainty around the global economic situation will continue to affect universities (in large part due to rising inflation levels and possible austerity measures). However, European funding is crucial to help them to become more digital, green and sustainable.
To tackle these issues and to reinforce the EU’s tertiary education leadership in the world, the European Strategy for Universities is designed to equip these institutions with the necessary resources to support and train students, preparing them for leadership roles in tomorrow’s global economy. The Strategy sets four main objectives:
- Supporting universities as lighthouses of the European way of life, promoting excellence, inclusion, and democratic values;
- Strengthening the European dimension in education and research, with deeper transnational cooperation;
- Empowering universities as actors of change in the twin green and digital transitions, aligning innovation with societal needs;
- Reinforcing universities as drivers of Europe’s global role, with deeper international cooperation.
Shaping tomorrow’s solutions today
As previously mentioned, European universities are much more than academic institutions and are now considered dynamic agents of change. The Strategy places a strong emphasis on creating high-quality education systems to ensure that Europe’s youth have the advanced skills necessary to drive innovation. By encouraging an environment where students and researchers collaborate and develop new ideas, universities can become one of the key sources of solutions to many of the challenges facing society.
This vision relies not only on public investment but also on the expertise of innovation ecosystem players. META Group, with its longstanding experience in guiding research and innovation, plays a critical role in supporting universities as they adapt to meet these new demands.
META Group: supporting universities in driving their research output to market
From managing intellectual property to creating spin-offs and collaborating with governments and NGOs, universities are creating powerful ripple effects at local and national level. As highlighted by our recent workshop at the Politecnico di Milano, achieving societal impact from an academic environment requires a shift towards multidisciplinary collaboration and a problem-oriented approach, ensuring that technology and innovation are genuinely responsive to actual needs.
The European Strategy for Universities is also a call to action, one that META Group is convinced by. Investing in Europe’s youth and researchers means equipping them with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to shape a more resilient and innovative future. But this transformation cannot happen in isolation. The strategy emphasises the need for coordinated efforts across universities, Member States, and innovation ecosystem players – such as META Group – to turn vision into impact.
For over 30 years, we have worked alongside universities and research institutions to increase the societal and economic value of knowledge. From strengthening innovation ecosystems to guiding researchers through commercialisation, our role is to bridge the gap between academic potential and real-world outcomes. We do this by offering tailored services to empower researchers and by participating in strategic partnerships that support knowledge transfer and innovation. By contributing to the implementation of this shared strategy, we help ensure that Europe’s universities remain key drivers of progress, where ideas are born, and where solutions take shape.
- Discover how META Group can support your university to bridge the gap between academia and market uptake.
- Learn about the role of Third Mission in EU universities.