InCITIES: European Universities driving local and global innovation
On December 4, 2024, Université Gustave Eiffel, TH Köln’s partnering university in both the PIONEER Alliance and the InCITIES project, hosted a high-level event as part of the InCITIES project at the Maison Irène & Frédéric Joliot-Curie in Brussels.
The gathering in Brussels brought together European policymakers, university alliances, and local stakeholders to explore how European universities can strengthen local collaborations while co-creating ambitious research agendas.
The InCITIES project, led by the University Insitute of Lisbon (ISCTE) and its partners, aims to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to address today’s urban challenges. This event perfectly exemplifies this mission by showcasing the synergies between research, education, and local needs.
Prof. Dr. Eike Permin represented TH Köln at this event to present the concept of ecosystem co-creation pursued by the PIONEER Alliance. Prof. Dr. Permin will lead the “Ecosystem Co-Creation” work package of the PIONEER Alliance from 2025-2028 and will thus have a significant influence on the work of the PIONEER Alliance in this area. The PIONEER Alliance - European University for Future Cities is a consortium of ten European universities with the aim of promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities by intensifying cooperation and innovation in the areas of education, research and mobility.
Key highlights of the event:
Session 1: Strengthening ties between university alliances and local ecosystems
Discussions emphasized collaborative initiatives to better integrate European universities into their local environments.
Session 2: Presenting research roadmaps
Participants presented research agendas, including the roadmap of the InCITIES project, demonstrating concrete approaches to addressing local needs.
Program Overview:
Opening remarks:
- Sylvie Chevrier, Deputy Vice President for International, Université Gustave Eiffel
Keynotes on ecosystem collaboration:
- Ricard Esparza Masana, DG Joint Research Centre, European Commission
- Prof. Dr. Eike Permin, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, PIONEER Alliance
Focus on research roadmaps:
- Claude Marin-Lamellet, Université Gustave Eiffel, InCITIES
- Cristina Catalanotti, Università Iuav di Venezia, PIONEER Alliance
- Stephane Ngo Mai, Université Côte d’Azur, Ulysseus European University
Panelists from diverse sectors:
- Veneto Region Office and FAMN (French Automotive & Mobility Network)
- Ioana Dewandeler, DG Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture, European Commission
- Enza Lissandrello, Urban Europe Research Alliance, Aalborg Universitet
Dynamic discussions, moderated by Carle Bonafous-Murat (France Universités) and Thierry Goger (FEHRL), highlighted actionable strategies to align local needs with pan-European ambitions.
A sustainable commitment through InCITIES
This event is a testament to the objectives of the InCITIES project, demonstrating the pivotal role of universities in fostering sustainable and impactful innovations by leveraging diverse expertise across Europe.
Université Gustave Eiffel extends heartfelt thanks to all speakers, panelists, and participants for their valuable contributions to this inspiring exchange.
November 2024