The European Association of Institutions in Higher Education (EURASHE) is pleased to announce its 34th Annual Conference, themed "Place, Knowledge, Skills: Applied Universities Driving Regional Competitiveness." The conference is scheduled for 14-15 May 2025 at the Polytechnic University of Portalegre in Portalegre, Portugal.
EURASHE is currently inviting contributions for breakout sessions that explore the central question of the conference:

How can Higher Education Institutions contribute to sustainable and inclusive European competitiveness within regional innovation ecosystems adapted to the local context, following the smart specialisation approach?

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

 Applied research and innovation with regional partners from industry and civil society.
 Regionally relevant curricula, including work and practice-based learning.
 Consultancy services to local firms that promote the dissemination and absorption of knowledge.
 The contribution of European University Alliances and Centres of Vocational Excellence to smart specialisation and regional development.
 The role of Higher Education Institutions in regional governance.

The deadline for submissions is 15 December 2024, with successful applicants to be notified by 10 January 2025. For detailed information on the call for contributions and the submission process, please visit the EURASHE 34th Annual Conference webpage.