The THE Europe Universities Summit 2026 will be the meeting point for leaders, innovators and changemakers across academia, policy and industry to explore how European higher education can strengthen its role on the global stage.
As universities face rapid technological shifts, evolving government and stakeholder relations, and complex geopolitical challenges, collaboration has never been more vital.
The summit will create space for new ideas focused on interdisciplinarity, cross-sector partnerships and bold strategies that equip institutions for the future.
Attendees will connect with peers, exchange best practices and discover opportunities to enhance graduate outcomes, sharpen institutional competitiveness and drive innovation.
This is not just an event, but a catalyst for the partnerships and networks that will define the next era of higher education.
Through dialogue and shared insight, the summit will lay the groundwork for stronger, more connected systems that ensure European universities remain as leaders in knowledge, collaboration and innovation globally.
300+
attendees
160+
universities and organisations
70+
speakers
Agenda themes
Reputation and global engagement
Strengthening global impact through strategic alliances, stakeholder relationships, and transnational education to address worldwide challenges.
Innovation through collaboration, entrepreneurship and research
Driving innovation by enhancing postgraduate programmes, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, and overcoming financial and structural barriers to research excellence.
Interdisciplinarity in higher education
Embracing interdisciplinarity and merging new disciplines like STEAM to ensure fair accreditation and accessibility across subjects.
Strategy, leadership and focus
Exploring organisational structure and governance that builds institutional success for future generations.
Watch the highlights from the 2025 summit in Budapest
35
hours of content
10
hours of networking
100%
would recommend to a colleague
Key takeaways for attendees 
Building strategic alliances for lasting impact
Explore how to form and strengthen alliances that drive institutional growth and long-term success.
Cultivating stakeholder relationships that power institutional growth
Discover strategies to establish and sustain partnerships that enhance your institution’s influence and performance.
Leveraging institutional identity and R&I for a competitive edge
Learn how a distinctive identity and robust research and innovation strategy can set your institution apart.
Upskilling higher education leaders for governance and policy excellence
Equip emerging leaders with the principles and tools to shape the future of higher education governance.
Navigating the US–Europe higher education landscape
Gain insight into developments across the Atlantic and how European institutions can lead and benefit from emerging trends.
Leadership perspectives on global technological shifts
Examine how evolving technologies are reshaping higher education and what it means for institutional strategy.
Designing and delivering an effective postgraduate doctoral programme
Best practices for developing high-quality doctoral programmes that foster innovation, employability, and impact.
Reimagining the university model through interdisciplinarity
Explore how interdisciplinary design can create more adaptive, collaborative, and future-ready institutions.
Energising content, where higher education leaders reimagined how universities can catalyse innovation for global impact. – Catalina Tejero, Dean of the School of Humanities, IE University |
Book your ticket now to secure the best price
20% discount for groups of 3+ with promo code GROUP
Partners
Opportunities to shape the summit
Speak
Be at the forefront of global higher education and share your insights through panel discussions, case studies, fireside chats or interactive workshops. Submit a speaker application.
Partner
Position your brand and align your strategic goals with an international audience and explore bespoke partnership opportunities. Explore packages.
Host
Showcase your university’s leadership and regional impact. Engage with global faculties, address sector-wide challenges and build long-lasting connections. Find out more.
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