Between the conversations, the coffee and the crowds, the EAIE 2026 conference in Glasgow, Scotland (8–11 September) brought together higher education leaders and innovators to explore new possibilities of international collaboration. UNINOVIS joined the conversations on the future of European University alliances.
One booth, three alliances
UNINOVIS joined forces with two associate young European University alliances, Across AI and COLOURS, at a shared booth. The three alliances bring different regional backgrounds and strengths, but share one aim: to improve European education through impact, inclusion, and innovation. The joint stand was a place to meet international partners, exchange best practices, and highlight joint initiatives.
8–11 September 2026
EAIE 2026 Conference
Glasgow, Scotland
International higher education forum
UNINOVIS, Across AI & COLOURS
One joint booth, three alliances
Impact, Inclusion & Innovation
Shared priorities for European education
Three themes from Glasgow
A central topic for UNINOVIS was how alliances evaluate success. Rather than simply tracking operational indicators, such as event counts, course participation, or numbers of partnerships, we are transitioning toward measuring tangible outcomes, behavioral change, and institutional embedding. Discussions stressed that impact must be intentionally designed into activities from the start.
Key sessions pointed to joint study programmes and European Degrees as major priorities for the next phase of alliance cooperation. With Erasmus+ moving towards stronger support for joint degrees, this could open up new pathways for students across the alliance.
Conversations also looked at how alliances can last and what role they will play in new forms of international cooperation. A more focused approach, with clear priorities, will be essential to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Looking ahead
The exchanges in Glasgow showed that the opportunities across European higher education are huge. The key now is turning shared ambitions into concrete, focused actions that deliver lasting benefits for students, staff, and the wider academic community.