ACEEU is proud to be part of the consortium shaping the future of Ukrainian higher education by supporting the development of more entrepreneurial, engaged, and community-oriented universities.
The coordinator of the Erasmus+ UNICOM project, Diana Spulber, presented the project's latest achievements and ongoing work while representing the University of Genoa at the Annual Congress of the Ukrainian Association for European Studies (UAES) 2025, held in Lviv on 23–24 October 2025. Seeing the project's achievements presented at an international academic forum reflects the progress made by the consortium and the growing recognition of the importance of the Third Mission.
The Congress brought together researchers, academics, practitioners, and higher education experts from Ukraine and across Europe to explore the role of higher education in addressing societal challenges, supporting European integration, and contributing to Ukraine's recovery. It also provided an important platform for exchanging knowledge and perspectives. During the Congress, the UNICOM project coordinator showcased the project's progress in strengthening university–community cooperation and advancing the Third Mission through research, capacity building, and institutional development in Ukraine.
The presentation highlighted key research findings on the implementation of the Third Mission in the European Union and Ukraine, the mapping of university practices, and the development of a conceptual model for strengthening university engagement with communities. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of how universities can respond to societal needs through evidence-based and context-sensitive approaches.
This is another important milestone in the UNICOM project's journey. By sharing its research and engaging with the wider higher education community, the project continues to strengthen dialogue on the Third Mission of universities while supporting more resilient, innovative, and socially engaged higher education systems in Ukraine.
