Kuopio, Finland – February 6, 2025
At the 8th meeting of the Rector’s Council in Kuopio, EU4Dual reflected on the progress of its first two years. Over two days, Rectors examined the full scope of the Alliance’s operations, reaffirming our mission to use transnational Dual Education to address Europe’s key societal challenges.
Progress and Impact
In its first two years, EU4Dual has become a fully operational entity with significant global reach. The Rectors noted the following achievements:
- The participation of 380 students and 175 staff in intra-institutional mobility programmes.
- The launch of 18 research projects supported by EU Horizon Funding, aligned with our Grand Challenges.
- Over 250,000 online engagements through our website and social media channels.
- The publication of the first edition of the European Journal of Dual Higher Education.
Additionally, the rectors have noted ongoing progress on:
- The launch of planning for three master’s programmes, with the first, the European Masters in Digital and Sustainable Manufacturing, set to launch in September 2025.
- The initiation of an annual conference on dual education, with the next edition on 2-3 April in San Sebastian & Bidart, already having attracted 400 participants.
Expanding Our Global Reach
EU4Dual’s influence continues to grow. With nine member institutions across as many EU countries, the Alliance now connects with more than 16,000 companies, including 500 transnational businesses across Europe. In Kuopio, the Rectors agreed to extend our reach by welcoming three new associate members, advancing our goal of becoming the largest integrated Dual Education institution globally.
We have welcomed:
- Northeastern University.
- Universidad Mondragon Mexico.
- Advancing Cooperative & Work-Integrated Education Association (WACE).
- Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre (IPP).
- The Academy of Applied Studies Polytechnic (AASP).
These new members will collaborate with EU4Dual partners on research, capacity building in dual studies, and mobility programmes.
Planning for the Future
In line with our mission, the Alliance is working to launch our first joint industrial PhD programme, offering opportunities for transnational dual studies at the highest academic and industrial levels. The EU4Dual Centre of Excellence in Dual Studies is also taking shape, with plans for a global services portfolio and capacity-building activities for institutions outside Europe. It is also launching a Dual Studies Best Practice Award to recognise outstanding contributions to the field.
Rectors have also instructed the central office to explore options to establish a dedicated legal entity, charged with supporting the overall mission and goals of the alliance. This will form an integral part of our Vision 2030, which is setting targets to prepare the Alliance to meet the emerging challenges of the next decade.
