AUAS: Dutch universities meet with EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva in Brussels

On 2 June, a high-level delegation from the Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) met with European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva in Brussels to discuss the strategic role of Universities of Applied Sciences in driving innovation, regional development, and competitiveness across the European Union.

The delegation was composed of senior UAS board members:

• Geleyn Meijer, Vice-President of Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Chair of UASNL
• Elisabeth Minnemann, President of The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Co-Chair of UASNL
• Joeri van den Steenhoven, Vice-President of Leiden University of Applied Sciences
• Jorrit Snijder, President of Breda University of Applied Sciences

They were joined by Maaike de Loor, UASNL Liaison.

The meeting was both constructive and forward-looking, with Commissioner Zaharieva expressing strong interest in the distinctive contribution of Universities of Applied Sciences to Europe’s innovation ecosystem. She invited the delegation to summarize their key proposals in a policy paper, which has now been finalized:

The paper “Socio-Economic Value Added Through Ecosystem-Based Research: The Role of Universities of Applied Sciences in Bridging Europe’s Innovation Gap” highlights key areas where the UAS research model accelerates impact and fosters both regional and European innovation. These areas include Rapid Impact, Regional Embeddedness, and Ecosystem Orchestration. Concrete examples feature smart traffic solutions, system-based healthcare, and sustainable urban development.
The complete paper can be found here: (insert LINK).

"We appreciate Commissioner Zaharieva’s openness and her recognition of the value UAS bring to European innovation," said Geleyn Meijer, Chair of UASNL. "Our institutions are ready to work together to make ecosystem-based applied research a stronger pillar of the European Research Area." 

UASNL is committed to continuing dialogue with the European Commission and other EU institutions to ensure that the unique strengths of Universities of Applied Sciences are fully leveraged for Europe’s innovation, inclusion, and competitiveness.