Ulysseus Begins Strategic Discussions in Seville to Shape the Alliance’s Third Phase

Institutional representatives from Ulysseus European University and external experts are gathering on 15-16 September at the iconic Rectorate of the University of Seville to reflect on achievements to date and explore the future direction of the alliance.

The “Towards Ulysseus 3” meeting marks an important turning point in the Alliance’s trajectory since its establishment in 2020, supporting the transition from implementation to long-term impact and sustainability. The event was inaugurated by Carmen Vargas, Rector of the University of Seville alongside other representatives from the University of Seville such as Julián Martínez, Vice-Rector for International Affairs; Rocío Martínez de Pablos, Ulysseus General Coordinator; and Inmaculada Periáñez, Ulysseus General Manager. Bringing together 20 institutional representatives from all partner universities, the meeting also welcomes delegates from the OECD and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, whose contributions help frame discussions on the future of higher education and university alliances in Europe.

Assessing Progress and Future Challenges

The first day of the meeting focuses on establishing a common understanding of where the alliance stands today. Participants are reviewing Ulysseus’ achievements against its Mission Statement and Grant Agreement, while also identifying areas that require further development as the alliance prepares for its next stage.

Discussions are addressing key strategic challenges, including the transition from delivering project outputs to demonstrating measurable impact, strengthening institutional integration and shared ownership, simplifying governance structures, consolidating the role of the Ulysseus Innovation Hubs, improving impact measurement, and laying the foundations for a sustainable model beyond 2028.

Towards a Shared Vision

A central component of the programme is the examination of broader European and global challenges affecting higher education. Through contributions from external experts, participants are exploring how universities can respond to changing demands related to innovation, competitiveness, skills development and talent attraction.

These discussions provide an important opportunity to consider how European University Alliances can continue to contribute to addressing societal challenges while supporting Europe’s long-term strategic objectives. Furthermore, the meeting also provides a platform for each partner university to present its institutional priorities and expectations for the future of the alliance. By identifying areas of convergence and recognising different institutional contexts, participants are working towards a shared vision for the next phase of Ulysseus.

About Ulysseus

Ulysseus is one of the 73 European Universities alliances selected by the European Commission under its flagship initiative of the European strategy for universities. These alliances, co-funded by the European Commission, bring together almost 650 higher education institutions of all types from across Europe.

Led by the University of Seville, the Ulysseus European University Alliance encompasses seven other partner universities: the Université Côte d’Azur (France), University of Genoa (Italy), the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® (Austria), Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the University of Münster (Germany), and the University of Montenegro (Montenegro).