This activity sets the foundation for the project by identifying current trends, emerging opportunities, and future challenges in community engagement across European higher education. Using methods such as horizon scanning and stakeholder dialogue, the analysis gathers insights from university staff, civic actors, and policy bodies. The resulting report highlights key drivers of change and provides a strategic overview to inform future planning, training, and policy. It helps institutions and practitioners align their engagement strategies with long-term societal needs.
At the heart of the project is the creation of a cross-European peer-learning alliance for university staff involved in engagement. The alliance will be supported by a digital platform designed to encourage knowledge exchange, collaboration, and ongoing learning. The platform will host case studies, engagement tools, training materials and a dedicated space for community-building. By combining online access with real-world input, this activity creates a lasting network of practitioners who can share ideas, challenges, and solutions across borders.
The toolkit provides a comprehensive set of practical resources to support staff in designing, implementing, and evaluating community engagement initiatives. It includes a structured pathway for strategic engagement, 50 tested instruments, and 50 examples of best practice. The tools are grounded in real institutional experiences and refined through feedback from practitioners. Designed to be flexible and user-friendly, the toolkit helps staff embed engagement into their day-to-day work and institutional planning.
This sprint-style training programme is aimed at university staff involved in community engagement, whether academic or administrative. Built on principles of design thinking and strategic foresight, the training helps participants rapidly develop and refine engagement strategies through collaborative, time-bound workshops. The programme focuses on building confidence, fostering innovation, and strengthening peer support. A training guide will ensure the model is easy to adapt and replicate across institutions.