U!REKA SHIFT Project

Task 1.1 - Project and Financial Management (Metropolia)

This task aims to facilitate the following activities: operational project management, contractual and administrative activities and financial and resource management.

Task 1.2 - Data Management Plan (Metropolia)

This task includes the development of the Data Management Plan. A specific chapter in the plan is dedicated to open access to research data.

Task 1.3 - Quality Assurance (VSB-TUO)

Preparation of Quality Management Plan. The aim is to ensure high project quality by setting up and performing regular quality checks (internal and external checks).

Task 1.4 - Future-Proofing U!REKA (AUAS)

The aim of this task is to ensure that the results of the U!REKA SHIFT project provide the basis for a systematic, structural and sustainable model of the U!REKA European university network. This task includes the establishment of a medium-term plan during the third year of the project to ensure the sustainability of the project beyond its expiry.

Task 2.1 - U!REKA common vision, values and principles of good governance (Hogent)

In order to transform our institutional cooperation, it is important that visions, strategies and values are supported by all partners and stakeholders. Therefore, a participatory process is proposed that will allow a discussion of vision and values and a common solution to be found within the project. A renewed common vision and values will serve as the basis for good governance principles such as sustainability, gender equality, inclusion and open science. The aim is to create a participatory process with students, staff and external stakeholders through at least 5 joint workshops. Based on the existing vision and research results, our common vision, values and principles of good governance will be discussed, finalised and formalised. The final common vision and values will be documented on a website and communicated to all project stakeholders. The principles of good governance and the Gender and Inclusion Plan will be part of staff training and will serve as an inspiration guide for other European universities.

Task 2.2 - Governance structure & procedures (Metropolia)

The aim of the task is to improve the management of U!REKA SHIFT so as to facilitate the participation of students and stakeholders in the management of U!REKA SHIFT, as full members of the Steering Committee with full voting rights. We will compare our proposed structure with other European universities and use their best practices to improve our own governance structure. We will create a student council with one representative from each U!REKA university and one alternate member. At least 2 students will also become full members of the Steering Committee. We will also establish an advisory council with 12 members - representatives of associate partners and other external stakeholders. We will also explore the possibilities of a common legal entity for U!REKA.

Task 2.3 - Shared Pool of Resources (IPL)

This task will bring together various resources to support the implementation of the U!REKA SHIFT strategy. Experts from different fields will establish contacts, share best practices and discuss current issues in quarterly bases. The aim is to share knowledge about the work at our universities and strengthen cooperation for the implementation of the U!REKA SHIFT strategy. The result will be a proposal on how to efficiently share resources and implement the strategy.

Task 3.1 - Stakeholder participation in governance (Hogent)

Based on 6 meetings of representatives of each group, competence profiles will be created, which will determine how these representatives (students, employees, external stakeholders) will participate in the project management, what role they will play in the steering committees.

Task 3.2 - Framework for student and staff engagement in U!REKA SHIFT activities (Hogent)

As part of this task, a framework will be developed for the involvement of student and employee representatives in individual activities within U!REKA universities. Furthermore, a strategy will be developed to inform all students and employees of the involved universities about the U!REKA SHIFT project and its benefits. A clear infographic will be developed for each activity, which will then be used at all U!REKA universities. 5 multimedia stories will be created about the involvement of students and employees in various U!REKA SHIFT activities. As part of the task, each U!REKA university will involve an inclusion expert who will facilitate the participation of participants with barriers in individual activities. Inclusion workers will also participate in the development of mobility processes that will ensure that international educational opportunities are truly for all.

Task 3.3 - Framework for external stakeholder engagement in U!REKA SHIFT activities (AUAS)

The aim of this task is to create a framework for the involvement of external stakeholders and to increase their ability to co-create U!REKA activities. Through this task, we will facilitate cooperation between local ecosystems – cities, societies, civil society and other external stakeholders in the U!REKA SHIFT project.

Task 4.1 - Inclusive Mobility Practices and Procedures (VSB-TUO)

At the beginning, 200 courses (3-5 ECTS), micro-certificates offered by U!REKA universities related to sustainable and digital transformation and cross-cutting areas will be compared. These courses should meet the requirements of students, staff and participants of the CU. The requirements will come from a survey among stakeholders and at least one joint event.

At least 50 open courses (including the U!REKA Change Agent programme) will be made available to students, staff and participants of the CU (T.4.2) in the initial phase of the project (M24). These courses will be promoted in the framework of communication and dissemination of information (WP7).

On the basis of the analysis carried out under T4.1, which includes a survey and at least one event with key stakeholders, the U!REKA Exchange concept will be developed, in collaboration with experts in mobility, learning issues and credit transfers at U!REKA universities. The aim will be to promote physical, virtual and combined short- and long-term mobility for all full-fledged partners.

The results and experience of the Erasmus+ Inclusive Comprehensive Internationalisation (ICI) programme (a project focused on inclusion in international education using combined and virtual mobility) will be used to enhance the inclusiveness of the international learning opportunities offered under the U!REKA SHIFT programme to ensure a diverse offer and broad participation.

At the end of the project (M48), 70 open courses and 6 joint U!REKA programmes developed under WP6 (T6.3. and T6.4.) will be offered within the U!REKA campus.

KPI: At least 50% of students to take part in U!REKA Mobility (by the project end)

KPI: By the end of the project at least 50% of students will have completed mobility within U!REKA

Task 4.2 - Inclusive and connected campus (Metropolia)

Experts on online education platforms will map existing solutions used in other alliances of European universities, U!REKA universities or other digital education initiatives (e.g. the Digi-Visio project in Finland), analyse the possibilities of connecting IT infrastructures within U!REKA and develop a common plan for the U!REKA campus.

A website linked to the Moodle platform will be created where students, staff and participants of CŽV courses will be able to search for information on courses, available exchanges and mobility funding, then choose the courses they would like to take, register and participate in open courses and obtain an electronic certificate.

The campus will be an open educational environment in which U!REKA events, workshops, after-school activities, courses and programs with a physical, combined or virtual mobility component will be held.

Milestone: Inclusive and connected campus opened (by start of 3rd project year)

Milestone: Inclusive and open campus to be opened (at start of 3rd project year)

Task 4.3 - Alignment of mobility and student administration processes. Recognition of credentials, developing flexible study paths, and implementation of the European Student Card Initiative (AUAS)

The task is to align the processes of administration of studies and mobility at U!REKA universities with the aim of creating joint programmes, courses and mobility, facilitating the mobility process and setting up a uniform procedure for the recognition of study programmes. At least one joint U!REKA SHIFT course will be included in the curricula at U!REKA partner universities. As part of this task, flexible forms of education in study fields already offered at the Metropolia Open University of Applied Sciences will also be explored.

U!REKA universities also implement the ESCI initiative - European Study Card (support of the Erasmus+ App, introduction of ESI - European Student Identifier) as well as EWP (paperless administration of the Erasmus+ programme).

KPI: 70 open courses validated and made available to U!REKA students and lifelong learners (by project end).

KPI: By the end of the project, 70 verified courses will be made available to students of U!REKA universities and participants of the CU.

Task 5.1 - Integrating research resources of U!REKA SHIFT universities to establish joint Centers of expertise (AUAS)

3 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) are set up for joint research, innovation and knowledge sharing and will be coordinated by partners with the greatest expertise in the following areas:

• climate neutral urban communities,
• transition to circular societies,
• innovative governance models and citizen involvement

The design of the Expert Centres (CoEs) model builds on the already existing model in the Netherlands. The Joint Research Agenda builds on societal challenges in associated partner cities and the assessment of relevant needs in the regions (input from Task 5.2 and 5.3) and is included in the annual work plans of each CoE.

Task 5.2 - Setting the bases and structure for joint cross-border knowledge-creating communities (Metropolia)

The coordinator of the task - METROPOLIA - will provide advice and manage the integration processes of local knowledge communities. The exchange of best practices and solutions will take place at least twice a year in joint meetings and events. In addition, open science and citizen science initiatives related to the themes of our centres of expertise will be developed. This task will identify needs and themes for new joint EU-wide research and innovation projects.

Task 5.3 - Co-creating city solutions for climate neutral and smart cities through student engagement (IPL)

This task involves students in creating knowledge in communities mediated under T5.2 and solving urban problems. This will be achieved by linking educational activities in WP6 to the needs of communities (T5.2). Six student hackathons will be designed jointly with EIT Climate KIC. Students will collaborate on joint projects for creating urban solutions (link to T6.4 and 6.5). The U!REKA Change Agent programme will focus on implementing solutions (T6.3). Students will collaborate on developing and implementing joint research and innovation projects through centres of expertise (T5.1).

Task 5.4 - Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through joint incubator program (VSB-TUO)

As part of this task, the partners are exchanging best practices in the current business incubator training programmes and further developing them towards a joint open business incubator programme open to students, staff and stakeholders.

Task 6.1 - Staff Capacity Building for digital and green competences and diversity and inclusion skills. (Hogent)

It envisages launching a Change Drivers Program for employees of U!REKA universities in order to develop green and digital competencies and competencies related to diversity and inclusion. In this task, skills will be mapped first and then training will be prepared in the form of training.

Task 6.2 - Joint Educational framework for challenge-based and collaborative learning (Fra UAS)

The aim is to facilitate teaching and the adoption of innovative approaches among teachers. Three pedagogical forums (experience sharing), three forums will be organised to develop a common pedagogical framework and the final result will be a joint publication (guidance) describing these results.

Task 6.3 - Collaborative microcredentials (Fra UAS)

The task for each of the 6 partners is to prepare at least three flexible short-term courses (3-5 ECTS) in the field of sustainability and digitization. The courses must be for both full-time students, for all levels (BSc., Mgr., PhD.), as well as for participants in the CU. At least one course will be included in the students' curriculum to gain basic knowledge in the field of sustainability.

Task 6.4 - Collaborative Programs (VSB-TUO)

The task is to launch six interdisciplinary joint programs. VSB-TUO will prepare a doctoral program in which students of all U!REKA universities (full and associate partners) can participate.

Task 6.5 - Interdisciplinary and international work placements (Fra)

The aim is to create a joint internship programme for students of U!REKA universities. This includes monitoring opportunities at partner universities and local ecosystems and informing students afterwards.

Task 7.1 - Set up the Communications ekosystém (IPL)

The aim is to create a unique identity for the U!REKA SHIFT project and to promote it. Communication WG will create communication channels of the project, there will also be a communication network between individual partners, which will allow WG to communicate to spread the U!REKA SHIFT project to both internal and external target groups.

Task 7.2 - Focus on Awareness, Communication and Outreach (IPL)

A calendar of events and a communication plan will be created. Employees of individual universities specializing in marketing and communication will meet regularly and on their communication channels the universities will communicate current events and activities related to the U!REKA SHIFT project.

Task 7.3 - Strengthen the Outcomes and Impact (AUAS)

The impact of the project will be measured using both qualitative and quantitative measures based on the Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy. The results of the measurement will be used to take corrective measures if needed. Even after the completion of the U!REKA SHIFT project, the measurement will continue to determine whether the vision and mission of the project have been fulfilled.

Task 7.4 - Collaboration & Synergies with other EU initiatives and projects (Fra)

The aim is to cooperate with associated university partners (EURASHE, ERRIN, UAS4EUROPE) and disseminate project results across Europe. U!REKA wants to actively participate in many EU networks and platforms, sharing know-how and best practises.