VILNIUS TECH, one of the founding members of the European Network of Innovative Higher Education Institutions (ENIHEI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming its commitment to active participation in the network and to strengthening the European innovation ecosystem.
ENIHEI was established in 2022 at the initiative of the European Commission with the aim of bringing together forward-looking higher education institutions capable of making a significant contribution to the implementation of the New European Innovation Agenda. The network comprises 38 universities, selected either directly by the European Commission or nominated by the governments of EU Member States for their outstanding performance in innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
Since its establishment, ENIHEI has operated as an informal partnership and a community of practice, enabling universities to exchange knowledge, experience and ideas that foster creativity, entrepreneurship and talent development. After three years of active cooperation, during which a number of substantial reports and recommendations were prepared for the European Commission, the network decided to move towards a more formal structure. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding formalises the members’ commitment to active engagement in ENIHEI activities and to the pursuit of shared strategic objectives.
“Representing Lithuanian higher education institutions participating in European University Alliances, we are proud to contribute to shaping the future of European higher education and innovation. This Memorandum strengthens our role as an active partner and opens up new opportunities for cooperation for our researchers, students and the entire academic community,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr Živilė Sederevičiūtė-Pačiauskienė, Vice-Rector for Studies at VILNIUS TECH.
ENIHEI is also an associate partner of the +EU4All Community of Practice, representing European University Alliances and contributing to the strengthening of inclusion, accessibility and equality in higher education across Europe.
The updated ENIHEI strategy defines six key pillars of activity: the development of innovation hubs and international research ecosystems, the promotion of sustainability in higher education, the acceleration of digital transformation, the expansion of cooperation and knowledge exchange, the encouragement of entrepreneurship and social innovation, and a more active dialogue with policy makers.
VILNIUS TECH’s participation in ENIHEI is closely linked to the University’s involvement in the ATHENA European University Alliance (Advanced Technology Higher Education Network Alliance). European University Alliances are long-term partnerships initiated by the European Commission, bringing together universities from different countries to jointly develop integrated education, research and innovation spaces.
The ATHENA Alliance unites universities with a strong technological and applied sciences profile and focuses on a just and inclusive green and digital transition, strengthening societal resilience, and close cooperation with industry and other social partners. As an active member of ATHENA, VILNIUS TECH contributes to the achievement of these goals and, through its engagement in ENIHEI, strengthens the synergy between the two initiatives, jointly contributing to the development of a more open, innovative and socially responsive European higher education system.
