ACE Workshops: Envisioning the Future of Social Engagement in Higher Education

The workshops mark another important step in the implementation of the “ACE - Alliance for Community Engagement in European Higher Education” project carried out within Erasmus+ Programme. The workshops brought together representatives of all project partners to explore the future of community engagement in higher education. 

Building on the outcomes of earlier project activities, ACE Horizon Scanning and Stakeholder Dialogues, the workshops aimed to synthesize insights and identify critical interdependencies shaping community engagement practices across Europe. By combining evidence, experiences, and perspectives gathered so far, participants engaged in in-depth discussions to co-create a comprehensive vision for socially responsible and inclusive university-community collaboration.

The workshops provided a participatory space to assess potential drivers, challenges, and opportunities that could influence the effectiveness and sustainability of engagement efforts in the coming years. Participants examined key factors such as policy developments, institutional strategies, resource allocation, and evolving societal needs. Special attention was given to how these elements interact and impact one another in complex and dynamic environments.

A key objective of the Cross-Impact Workshops was to foster a shared understanding of the systemic conditions necessary for successful engagement. Discussions centred around what higher education institutions (HEIs) need to anticipate, prepare for, and prioritize in order to strengthen their role as socially engaged institutions.

Insights generated during the workshops will support the development of the European University Community Engagement Guide, which will offer guidance and inspiration to universities committed to fostering a culture of engagement, collaboration, and social responsibility within the higher education sector.