Envisioning U!REKA in Helsinki

In September 2022 a number of delegates from all U!REKA universities met at Metropolia Helsinki to discuss about the future strategy of the network and plan the steps for a further collaboration in the direction of a truly “European University”. Apart from the really good, open and self-critical spirit of the event, I take with me the central messages: the orientation at the primary goal of our universities, education, as well as at the social in our endeavour, universities’ third mission in becoming stronger actors in relation to the wicked problems of our time in our local communities, as well as on a European and global level. Also the importance of participation internally and externally was stressed, and though many representatives of different status groups in the universities were present, the aim was expressed to further involve all these groups, students, researchers, lecturers, as well as administrative staff, in the common processes of decision making. The meeting took place at two of the main campi of Metropolia and allowed practical glimpses into the already impressive practice taking place at the university of applied sciences, its centres of expertise and social living labs.