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Nordic Higher Education Institutions’ Perspectives for the 2024–2029 European Parliament and Commission


Join us for thought-provoking conversations with many speakers playing key roles in shaping the EU’s research & innovation landscape.

How can we harness the full potential of Nordic higher education institutions (HEIs) in fortifying the EU’s resilience on the global stage? Why is the entire HEI value chain, from basic to applied research, crucial for securing the EU’s future competitiveness? What are Nordic higher education institutions’ perspectives on the EU’s strategic autonomy?  

With the dawn of the new EU legislative term, the timing is ideal to address the challenges facing the union and explore potential solutions. The event will place a spotlight on the crucial role Nordic higher education institutions can assume in bolstering the EU’s competitiveness and resilience.

Join us for thought-provoking conversations with many speakers playing key roles in shaping the EU’s research & innovation landscape, such as Manuel Aleixo (Head of Unit, ERA, Spreading Excellence and Research Careers, DG RTD), Barbara Kauffmann (Director for Employment and Social Governance, DG EMPL), Ilias Iakovidis (Adviser, Digital Aspects of Green Transition, DG CNCT), Eduard Auer (Head of Division, Regional Eastern Partnership, Regional Cooperation and OSCE, EEAS), Jonas Cederlöf (Policy Officer, DG DEFIS), and other esteemed representatives and experts from the EU institutions and Nordic higher education institutions. The event will be moderated by Caroline Sundberg, Brussels representative & Senior EU Policy Officer of Lärosäten Syd, Universities in South Sweden.

Sign up here(siirryt toiseen palveluun) latest on 18.3.2024

Programme:

13:00-13:30 Registration    

13:30-13:35 Opening words by the Moderator  

Speaker: Caroline Sundberg, Brussels representative & Senior EU Policy Officer, Universities in South Sweden 

13:35-13:45 Welcoming words: Gear up for action – charting the course for a resilient and competitive Europe 

Speaker: Kalle-Antti Suominen, Vice-Rector for Research, University of Turku 

13:45-13:55 Keynote: Why we need the entire value chain on board to secure the EU’s competitiveness and resilience – from basic research to applied research and beyond 

Speaker: Manuel Aleixo, Head of Unit, ERA, Spreading Excellence and Research Careers, DG RTD, European Commission 

13:55-14:05 Keynote: What kind of FP10 do we need to ensure the EU’s excellence in research, security and resilience?  

Speaker: TBC, Member of the European Parliament 

14:05-14:50 Panel I: HEIs’ role in the future of EU open strategic autonomy  

Speakers:  

TBC, Member of the European Parliament 

Manuel Aleixo, Head of Unit, ERA, Spreading Excellence and Research Careers, DG RTD, European Commission  

Thomas Ekman Jørgensen, Director, Policy Coordination and Foresight, European University Association   

Vesa Taatila, Rector and President, Turku University of Applied Sciences  

Taina Pihlajaniemi, Vice Rector for Research, University of Oulu 

14:55-15:45 Panel II: HEIs’ contributions to green and digital transitions while securing the EU’s leading role in critical technologies   

Speakers: 

Ilias Iakovidis, Adviser, Digital Aspects of Green Transition, DG CNCT, European Commission 

Marja Matinmikko-Blue, Research Director, University of Oulu 

Kim Wikström, Professor of Industrial Management, Åbo Akademi University 

Ellenor Devine, Head of Office, Research, Sweden’s Research and Innovation Office in Brussels (SWERI) 

15:45-16:15 Coffee & networking break   

16:20-17:10 Panel III: Perspectives on economically and socially sustainable states fostering an equal and resilient EU 

Speakers: 

Barbara Kauffmann, Director for Employment and Social Governance, DG EMPL, European Commission  

Mikko Niemelä, Professor, INVEST Flagship, University of Turku  

Kai Lehikoinen, University Researcher, University of the Arts Helsinki   

Charlotte Eide, Head of Brussels Office, University of Bergen (UiB)

17:15-18:05 Panel IV: HEIs on the Arctic and Eastern EU external border – defence and security in research and development 

Speakers: 

Jonas Cederlöf, Policy Officer, DG DEFIS, European Commission 

Eduard Auer, Head of Division, Regional Eastern Partnership, Regional Cooperation and OSCE, European External Action Service

Eija Tanskanen, Director, Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, University of Oulu 

Petteri Laaksonen, Research Director, LUT University 

Isto Mattila, R&D Director, Laurea University of Applied Sciences  

18:10-18:30 Closing remarks: Nordic HEIs’ key messages for the 2024–2029 European Parliament and Commission 

Speaker: Kalle-Antti Suominen, Vice-Rector for Research, University of Turku 

18:30-20:00 Networking reception 

   

We look forward to seeing you!