UAS4EUROPE Networking Conference 2025

 


***REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN!***


 

Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025

Time: 12:00 – 20:00 CEST

Location: Comet Louise, 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 of 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.

 


Please note that by registering, you are expressing your interest to attend the event. Due to limited seating capacities, we advise against the booking of potential travel arrangements before the reception of an official confirmation.

Confirmations will be sent out in two waves: in early September and early October.

Register here


 

 

Agenda

12:00 – 13:30 Registration and Lunch Buffet
13:30 – 13:45 Opening & Welcome Remarks

  • Dr. Heidi Fagerholm, Rector/CEO, Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Finland) & UAS4EUROPE Chairwoman
13:45 – 14:00 UAS Impact on Regional Innovation Ecosystems – The Case of Switzerland

  • Prof. Dr. Crispino Bergamaschi, President, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
14:00 – 15:00 Panel Discussion: From research to application – how to narrow the gap?

  • Dr. Eszter Lakos, Member of the European Parliament
  • Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Ritzenhoff, Managing Director, University Alliance for SMEs (Germany)
  • Maive Rute, Deputy Director-General for Investment & Innovation, DG GROW, European Commission
  • Industry representative (tbd)
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

  • Jimmy Bruun Felthaus, Minister Counsellor for Research and Innovation, Permament Representation of Denmark to the EU
  • Clark Parsons, CEO, European Startup Network
  • Member of the European Parliament (tbd)
  • UAS representative (tbd)
17:20 – 17:30 Closing Remarks

  • Dr. Harald Mikkelsen, Former Rector, VIA University College (Denmark) & UAS4EUROPE Vice-Chairman
17:30 – 20:00 Networking Reception