Representatives of Haaga-Helia, Metropolia and Laurea highlighted the 3UAS’ role as an integral part of the regional innovation ecosystem and as an active RDI actor during the advocacy trip. During the trip the delegation learned more about EU advocacy and funding opportunities.
At the end of May, a joint EU advocacy trip to Brussels was organised by the 3UAS and Horisonttia Uudellemaalle project. The travel programme was planned for the 3UAS Research Area Directors, RDI managers and those working with EU advocacy topics. A total of 11 representatives from Haaga-Helia, Metropolia and Laurea participated in the trip which took part from 21 to 24 May 2023.
The Brussels travel programme was structured around two EU-level conferences. ”Halfway to Horizon – Universities of Applied Sciences on the right track?“ was organised by the European UAS network UAS4EUROPE, and it focused on the mid-term review of Horizon Europe. The Dutch Network of Universities of Applied Sciences (UASNL) organised the conference “UAS as partner for SMEs: Intermediaries in regional innovation ecosystems”. The events brought together a large number of European universities of applied sciences and EU officials to discuss current funding opportunities and EU projects.
In addition to these events, the travel programme included meetings with officials from the European Commission, in particular from the Directorates-General for Research and Innovation, and Education and Culture. In addition, the delegation met with MEP Ville Niinistö and commissioner Jutta Urpilainen’s international partnerships unit to discuss current RDI opportunities.In the meetings the 3UAS highlighted the role of the alliance in the regional innovation ecosystem, its strategic focus areas in RDI and extensive project portfolio. During the meetings and EU events, the 3UAS delegation received a lot of information on different opportunities for funding and international cooperation. In addition, the trip provided insights into how to prepare for further EU advocacy practices.
Preparations for the advocacy trip began in Spring
Ahead of the trip, a joint 3UAS advocacy workshop was organised by the communications agency Tekir Ltd. and Horisonttia Uudellemaalle project funded by Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council. The aim of the workshop was to prepare the participants for future meetings with policy-makers and to provide practical tips for successful advocacy work. The 3UAS EU advocacy plan produced in Horisonttia Uudellemaalle project served as a basis of the workshop and the EU advocacy trip. The content and programme of the advocacy trip were planned in cooperation with Helsinki EU Office and Horisonttia Uudellemaalle project.
Anniina Heikkinen, Specialist EU affairs, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
