SAVE THE DATE – REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN SHORTLY
Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Time: 12:00 – 20:00 CEST
Location: COMET, Pl. Stéphanie 20, 1050 Brussels
Europe’s competitiveness depends on the ability to translate knowledge into scalable innovations. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are at the heart of this transformation. As hubs of innovation in their regions, they not only train a highly skilled workforce but also push their students to bring knowledge to life through strong ties with local stakeholders.
Since taking up the office in December 2024, the new European Commission is driving a wave of new initiatives to better support researchers and entrepreneurs. One of the most anticipated of these is the European Innovation Act, expected in 2026.
However, rather than happening overnight, innovations are the result of a long journey that requires an increasingly complex skillset. Too often, innovation and skills development have been treated as separate topics. Yet, the valorisation of knowledge is exactly where Europe lags behind its global competitors.
The good news is that UAS are here to help. Through their close collaboration with industry, UAS ensure that students learn what is required by the labour market – often through programmes co-designed with local industries. This application-oriented approach underlines the important stake UAS as key players in Europe’s competitiveness debate.
Therefore, the UAS4EUROPE Networking Conference will shine a spotlight on how UAS are uniting innovation and skills for a more competitive and prosperous Europe.
Agenda
| 12:00 – 13:30 | Registration and Lunch Buffet |
| 13:30 – 13:45 | Opening & Welcome Remarks |
| 13:45 – 14:00 | UAS Impact on Regional Innovation Ecosystems – The Case of Switzerland |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Panel Discussion: From research to application – how to narrow the gap? |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Showcase of an alumni-led startup |
| 15:15 – 15:45 | Coffee Break |
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Showcase of knowledge valorisation at UAS |
| 16:00 – 16:20 | Fireside Chat on the European Innovation Act |
| 16:20 – 17:20 | Panel Discussion: The Road to the European Innovation Act |
| 17:20 – 17:30 | Closing Remarks |
| 17:30 – 20:00 | Networking Reception |