HEI Initiative - Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education

Project Information

HEI Initiative

Grant agreement ID: 101113035

DOI

10.3030/101113035

Project closed

EC signature date 4 April 2023

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2025

Funded under

• The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

Total cost

€ 79 853 967,07

EU contribution

€ 79 853 967,07

Coordinated by

EIT RAW MATERIALS GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HEI Initiative (HEI Initiative - Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Within Horizon Europe and included as one of the three specific objectives in the European Institute of Innovation and Technology's (EIT) Strategic Innovation Agenda (SIA) 2021-2027, the European Commission (EC) expects the EIT and the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) to raise the bar in higher education and create systemic impact by (i) strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurial capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) at institutional level, (ii) integrating HEIs in innovation ecosystems and (iii) enlarging the EIT KIC reach to engage EIT KIC partner and non-partner HEIs by launching the “HEI Initiative.”

The SIA 2021-2027 specifies that to achieve this specific objective, EIT and the KICs must build on successful existing policy initiatives inter alia (but not limited to): HEInnovate and Regional Innovation Impact Assessment Framework. The HEI Initiative requires consortia to integrate the EIT Knowledge Triangle Model and contribute to and leverage Smart Specialization Strategies at national and regional level, especially when strengthening the link of HEIs to their local and regional ecosystems. The SIA 2021-2027 also calls for the HEI Initiative to unlock mutual reinforcing synergies with the European Universities Initiative, and several projects have done so during the 2021-2022 period, for example six successful Cohort 1 projects came from existing European University Alliances. The initiative has already incorporated a stronger emphasis on the above into the strategic leadership of the HEI Initiative over the 2023 period with implemented Call 3.

In July 2021, the first cohort of 24 projects started (one was discontinued at the stop-go phase 1 stage meaning there are now 23 cohort #1 projects), in July 2022 the second cohort of 26 projects started, and in July 2023 the third cohort of 16 projects started. This means a portfolio of 65 projects were funded by the HEI Initiative during the pilot phase. Considering 370 HEIs are involved in the first three cohorts alone, the initiative's pursuit of 500+ participating HEIs by 2027 (if extended past the Pilot phase) is on track, meaning the potential significance of the HEI Initiative for innovation and entrepreneurship capacity building in European higher education is impressive.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The EIT HEI Initiative has reached remarkable results so far: a total of 65 projects were funded during the Pilot phase, comprising 405 HEIs (362 as full partners and 43 as associated partners) and 392 non-HEIs (145 as full partners and 247 as associated partners). So far, 134,086 participants (students, non-academic and academic staff) have been trained, and 2,605 startups have received support (please note that the Cohorts #2 and #3 projects are currently in the final stages of the End-of-Project review process and the current KPI numbers have not yet been fully validated). These outcomes reflect the initiative's significant contributions to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. In addition, the initiative focuses on capturing key learnings and insights.

This has been possible through the collaboration and commitment of the existing 8 KICs, the entire EIT Ecosystem that united to support the design, development and implementation of the Initiative. As such the team efforts have allowed to organise - despite the Covid Restrictions in 2021 - 3 successful IVAP workshops, PPC event and 8 co-creation workshops. The Initiative’s team defined five Impact Pathways, developed and adopted its own Model of Change, experienced Cohort-specific Sensemaking sessions and supported the sharing of knowledge across projects through online tools, such as the Resource Hub.

In 2023 and 2024, the HEI Initiative demonstrated remarkable performance across various dimensions. The initiative witnessed substantial progress through the successful expansion of its scope, incorporating Cohort 3 projects with a strategic emphasis on deep tech, thereby contributing significantly to the Deep Tech Talent Initiative. Notably, the initiative dedicated efforts to enhance usability, making improvements to infrastructure and features, ensuring optimal functionality for all pilot cohorts involved.

One of the key highlights was the sustained focus on increasing the visibility and impact of the HEI Initiative and its associated projects. This was achieved through targeted initiatives in branding, communication, and dissemination activities, solidifying the initiative's presence in the ecosystem. The proactive approach to project management and coordination was evident in the successful completion of key deliverables and milestones. Among these achievements was the implementation of a robust Data Management Plan (DMP), showcasing the initiative's commitment to responsible and organized data handling. Overall, the HEI Initiative's performance in 2023 and first half of 2024 reflects a commitment to growth, innovation, and strategic management, positioning itself as a dynamic force in the landscape of initiatives fostering technological advancements and talent development.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Looking at the EIT Initiative Model of Change and looking across the Domains, we can notice that the Domains 1, 4, and 2 (Fostering institutional engagement and change, strengthening partnerships (KT), and Contributing to the development of innovations and businesses), are showing strong progress. We see that the flexibility played a large role in which connections sparked between different stakeholder groups and where opportunities arose for further development of more deep support (as in the support of Ukrainian partners).

The HEIs need to continue to be active in sharing solutions among them and other actors of regional, national, international ecosystems and flexible to respond to the current needs and problems of the society. Dissemination of achievements and outstanding results would enable HEIs to influence local, regional, and national initiatives for a more innovative and entrepreneurial society and thus focus on collective impact.

Further work on understanding the market interest for start-ups that address societal challenges and it is important that that HEIs continue to submit new proposals as the Initiative grows.

The HEI portfolio results are greater than the sum of constituent parts. The Initiative is a proof that it is more impactful to combine HEIs into a deliberately design portfolio, rather than only supporting HEIs one-by one. The initiative provides a space that enables HEIs to operate in enabling environments that support the application of new tools, practices, innovation, and change.

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