How to Craft Europe's Next Chapter Through Digital Unity

Olga Wessels, Head of Brussels' Office, ECIU

Olga Wessels, Head of Brussels' Office, ECIU

Olga Wessels works with the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), based in Brussels, connecting European Union policies with on-the-ground university needs. The 13 partners of ECIU build ECIU University, one of the 65 European University alliances funded by Erasmus+. Wessels also coordinates FOREU4ALL, the network of 65 European University alliances and 8 Seal Excellence alliances, bringing together 600 universities all over Europe. Passionate about collaboration, she believes sharing challenges and ideas strengthen education in Europe.

Through this article, Wessels highlights that the exciting innovation in higher education comes from working together, that is, across borders, systems and ideas. She shares her experience leading collaborative efforts to ensure interoperability of systems in universities across Europe. This is the foundation for making learning in Europe more connected and meaningful. The work in FOREU4ALL shows how building networks, learning from others and being open to change can create a lasting difference in education and beyond.

Confronting Mobility Barriers in Higher Education

One of the most persistent challenges in Europe’s education technology landscape is the lack of interoperability between university systems. Students, staff and researchers frequently move across institutions, yet disconnected digital infrastructures hinder seamless study, work and collaboration. In today’s geopolitical climate, with concerns around intellectual property theft, technological espionage and national security, cooperation among universities has never been more critical.

Just a fortnight ago, the European Commission introduced its European Interoperability Framework and is now seeking feedback from universities and alliances. This presents a genuine opportunity to shape solutions that address longstanding barriers. Within the ECIU University, we see ourselves as a forerunner in this space. We have been addressing this issue head-on. Over the past six years, ECIU University has invested significantly in building a Digital Experience Platform, committing not just funding but also bringing together the expertise and dedication of our people.

“In my experience, some of the most transformative ideas and solutions have emerged from simple conversations rooted in shared challenges. We gain so much when we open ourselves to different perspectives and connect with others on a similar journey”

While we hope the new EU framework aligns with our platform, we are not waiting passively. We actively contribute to its development by sharing our insights, particularly in user identity and issuing micro-credentials at the alliance level. We aim to solve these challenges within ECIU University while inspiring and supporting the broader European higher education sector. We believe real progress comes from turning shared obstacles into collective opportunities and remain committed to leading that journey.

Collaborating on AI to Support Learners across Europe

As part of our broader digital transformation agenda, we strongly emphasise emerging technologies, particularly AI. At ECIU, we have established an AI in Education group, bringing together experts from our member universities to share insights and develop approaches for example on teacher guidance, AI policy frameworks and institutional responses at various levels.

We are also working collaboratively on EU funding applications focused on AI-driven innovation. One project that I find especially promising is our AI-powered motivation scan. This tool is designed to help students identify the micro-credentials most aligned with their interests and aspirations. For me, this is about more than adopting the latest technology. It is about applying these advances to meaningfully enhance learning experiences and expand mobility opportunities for European students.

Remaining at the forefront of technological developments requires strategic vision and practical application. By combining our collective expertise, we can ensure AI is leveraged not as an isolated innovation but as an integrated force for good within European higher education.

Growing a Network That Grows Higher Education

One initiative I hold particularly close is FOREU4ALL, the Forum of European Universities for everyone. I launched it informally in 2020, when there were only 17 European University Alliances. At the time, it was a simple, informal network designed to connect us, share ideas and learn from one another.

Since then, it has grown far beyond its original vision. Today, FOREU4ALL includes 73 alliances and has evolved into a formal community with structured governance and 20 topical groups spanning various subjects.

One group I find especially impactful focuses on IT and digital collaboration. It brings together technology experts from across the alliances to explore opportunities such as making parts of their platforms open source and developing a common European digital framework. This group also plays a vital role in supporting EU-level projects like the Interoperability Framework we discussed earlier.

For me, FOREU4ALL is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we move beyond institutional silos to work collectively. Sharing knowledge, challenges and ideas not only strengthens our universities, but it also drives progress for the broader European education community, fostering an environment where innovation, collaboration and shared purpose can genuinely thrive.

The Echo of Shared Effort

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone in this field, whether just starting or decades into their career, it would be: Never, never try to do it alone. Seek out networks, attend conferences and build relationships with peers beyond your borders.

In my experience, some of the most transformative ideas and solutions have emerged from simple conversations rooted in shared challenges. We gain so much when we open ourselves to different perspectives and connect with others on a similar journey.

Education is a sector that shapes societies and futures. Its complexity and pace demand collaboration. When we work together, we expand our understanding and strengthen the impact we create. In the end, those connections and collective efforts drive meaningful, lasting progress.