ENHANCE – European Universities of Technology Alliance
Based on the highly acclaimed speech of French President Emmanuel Macron at the Sorbonne University in Paris in 2017, the concept of European Universities was developed by EU Member States, higher education institutions, and student organizations. In the second round of the EU Commission's Europe-wide call for proposals, ENHANCE – European Universities of Technology Alliance was awarded 5 million euros in funding for a three-year project period.
What is ENHANCE?
Together with six other technical universities, RWTH Aachen University founded the European alliance, ENHANCE, at the end of 2020, thus pursuing the vision of a European university that, as an important part of European society, promotes a common identity, transcends borders, and strengthens the principles of innovation, inclusion, creativity, and responsibility.
We will drive responsible societal transformation by enhancing a strong alliance of European Universities of Technology, empowering people to develop and use science and technology responsibly and turn global challenges into opportunities.
The project is based on the European values formulated in the Treaty of Lisbon – respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities. In the three-year funding period, ENHANCE will lay the foundation for unrestricted mobility of students, researchers, and staff within the network, the establishment and expansion of transdisciplinary research activities with societal stakeholders, and the joint strengthening of sustainable innovations and start-ups. In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ENHANCE will be focusing on the topics of climate action, smart and sustainable cities, and digitalization and artificial intelligence in this phase.
Who is ENHANCE?
In addition to RWTH Aachen University, six technical universities are part of the European Alliance: TU Berlin (Germany), Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway), Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain), and Warsaw University of Technology (Poland). In total, around 245,000 students study at the seven partner institutions. The past five years have already seen more than 4,400 students and staff go on an exchange between the partner institutions.
In addition to cooperation between the universities, ENHANCE's focus is on exchanges with practical partners from industry and business, including more than 30 associated partners from industry, business, civil society, and public administration.
What is ENHANCE Aiming to Achieve?
Building the European Education Area
A higher education innovator system will give students, employees, and researchers the chance to become part of the network. Together with partners from business and industry, borderless mobility is to be made possible.
Creating a University Alliance Which Empowers People
A participatory process will be used to develop a flagship model for teaching so that students and researchers can reach their full potential, regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural background.
Forming a European University of Technology Which Is an Integral Part of Society
A European university as part of a European society. It is about value-based teaching, in connection and dialogue with industry, politics, and society.
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