Today and yesterday, the SPHERE seminar “Universities’ Third Mission: Catalysts for Societal Transformation” has been held at the premises of Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
In a world where higher education is rapidly transforming, this SPHERE Seminar provided a platform for a vital exchange of experiences. Participants delved into the evolving “third mission” of universities—societal engagement that spans various dimensions such as adapting to labor market shifts, climate change, transitioning to carbon-free economies, and embracing digitalization and AI.
The seminar brought to light the systemic approaches universities are adopting to address these challenges. Keynote speakers, Nicols Standaert from the University of Leuven and Prof. Andrea Vargiu from the University of Sassari, shared their insights on how universities can serve as transformative agents for society. They discussed the importance of the third mission, which is perhaps the most significant role of universities today, and how it contributes to societal development. Participating on behalf of Montenegro were Vanja Drljević, the Director of the National Erasmus+ Office, and Professor Sanja Peković, HERE member and Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at the University of Montenegro.
Through this event, the participants explored the multifaceted roles that universities play within their local ecosystems and the broader scope of development. They assessed how universities are meeting societal demands and the extent to which these contributions are tailored to specific contexts.
The SPHERE Seminar has set a precedent for future discussions on the third mission of universities, highlighting the need for strategic partnerships and innovative approaches to education and research that can lead to meaningful societal and economic development.
List of participants:
- Aziz Abdukhakimov – Rector, “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage; Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Changes
- Adrian Veale – Policy Officer, European Commission, DG EAC (Online)
- Aziza Abdurakhmanova – Coordinator, National Erasmus+ Office in Uzbekistan
- Michael Gaebel – European University Association, SPHERE Team
- Nicolas Standaert – Academic Coordinator, KU Leuven Engage, KU Leuven; President, European Association of Service-Learning in Higher Education
- Sardorbek Samaridinov – Head of International Cooperation Department, “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage
- Irma Grdzelidze – Head of International Accreditation Office, Caucasus University, Georgia
- Mazen Kurdi – Professor of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Lebanese University, Lebanon
- Nicolas Standaert – Academic Coordinator, KU Leuven Engage, Belgium (Collaboration with Civil Society and Regional or Local Government)
- Elvira Fetahu – Vice-Rector, University of Elbasan, Albania (Collaboration with Companies: Business Board at the University of Elbasan)
- Irma Grdzelidze – Head of International Accreditation Office, Caucasus University, Georgia (Collaboration with Start-ups: How to Create a Start-up from Scratch?)
- HE Ms. Charlotte Adriaen – Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan
- Ms. Erica Gerretsen – Director for Human Development, Migration, Governance and Peace, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission
- Nozliya Normurodova – Alisher Nava’i Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature
- Dr. Ilhom Abdurahmanov – Head of Department for Monitoring of International Ranking Activities, National Research University “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers”
- Michael Gaebel – European University Association, SPHERE Team (Moderator)
- Nicolas Standaert – Academic Coordinator, KU Leuven Engage, Belgium; President, European Association of Service-Learning in Higher Education (Service Learning – Engaged Learning in Society)
- Lika Glonti – OBREAL, SPHERE Team (Moderator for Service Learning – Engaged Learning in Society)
- Andrea Vargiu – Director, FOIST Laboratory for Social Policies and Formative Processes, University of Sassari (Social Inclusion: The Transformative University for Societal Change)
- Nicole Font Guedes – OBREAL, SPHERE Team (Moderator for Social Inclusion: The Transformative University for Societal Change)
- HERE 1 (TBA)
- HERE 2 (TBA)
