Accelerating Collaboration Through the European Digital UniverCity
The University of Pécs has become a key player in the European Digital UniverCity (EDUC) alliance, a network designed to strengthen higher‑education collaboration across the continent. This article examines how the university contributed to EDUC’s early days, the strategic priorities that define the alliance, and what leaders can learn when building similar partnerships.
How Pécs Joined the Alliance
In December 2018, the University of Pécs accepted an invitation to join EDUC. The decision followed a call for proposals launched by the European Commission to create a collaborative framework of universities. The invitation came through a conversation between István Tarrósy, Director of the International Centre, and Jan Pavlik, Director of International Relations at Masaryk University. The tight deadline forced the Pécs team to draft a competitive proposal in just two to three weeks, underscoring the urgency and appetite of the university to participate.
With the Rector, Marek Miseta, and senior staff on board, the application highlighted three core strengths: a solid foundation in research, a multi‑disciplinary teaching portfolio, and a proactive international office. The result was a successful bid that positioned Pécs as the sixth member of EDUC’s initial consortium.
Vision for a Stronger European Higher‑Education Space
EDUC’s founding vision is rooted in the idea that Europe can increase its global standing by fostering close links between universities. Over the last five years the alliance has worked on a strategic roadmap that outlines how member institutions should cooperate, develop joint programmes, and support research innovation. The roadmap places particular emphasis on four pillars:
- Open science and research reform – shared data repositories, joint grant applications, and interdisciplinary research clusters.
- Graduate career development – coordinated career services, joint industry internships, and alumni networks that cross borders.
- Administrative integration – harmonised student mobility policies, shared digital platforms, and unified quality assurance procedures.
- Digital infrastructure – collaborative cloud services, cybersecurity protocols, and joint e‑learning initiatives.
Administrative Collaboration: The Backbone of EDUC
One of the most significant advancements has been the integration of administrative functions. The alliance connects international offices, libraries, student services, and research support units in a way that is not usually seen across separate universities. The result is a smoother flow of information, faster approval processes for joint projects, and a shared culture of openness.
Pécs has partnered with universities in France, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic to align visa application procedures for students and staff. This partnership has cut administrative delays by up to 30 % and increased satisfaction scores among participants.
EDUC-WIDE: Strengthening the Network in 2025
In 2025 the EDUC consortium launched a sub‑project called EDUC‑WIDE. The initiative focuses on building a “research federation” that empowers scientists to collaborate across disciplines and national borders while keeping their institutional identities intact.
The project has already secured funding from the EU Horizon Europe program. By creating a joint publication repository and shared data portals, researchers can publish in higher‑impact journals more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the federation hosts annual conference calls, allowing members to present preliminary results and gain cross‑institutional feedback.
How to Translate EDUC Success to Your Institution
University leaders looking to replicate Pécs’s experience should consider the following steps:
- Start with a clear, shared vision. Align the alliance’s goals with your institution’s strategic plans. Use the four EDUC pillars as a framework for discussion.
- Engage senior leadership early. Convince the rector or vice‑chancellor that the partnership benefits the university’s competitiveness and international profile.
- Build a dedicated task force. Assign staff from international relations, research offices, and student services to coordinate the application and ongoing cooperation.
- Prioritise administrative convergence. Identify overlapping processes – for example, visa handling or student mobility policies – that can be streamlined through joint agreements.
- Secure funding and resources. Leverage EU programmes, national research grants, and industry sponsorships to support joint initiatives.
By following these steps, institutions can accelerate digital collaboration, elevate their research output, and improve the mobility experience for students and staff alike.
Challenges and Opportunities for Future Alliances
While the EDUC model showcases strong potential, it also faces several challenges. First, maintaining a unified identity among member institutions can be difficult; each university retains its own governance structure and culture. Second, the sheer scale of coordination – from legal agreements to IT infrastructure – demands a dedicated management team.
Future alliances might mitigate these risks by establishing a legal entity, such as a foundation, that can sign contracts and secure third‑party funding. A central legal framework can also facilitate data sharing and joint funding applications, reducing duplication of effort.
There is also room for cross‑alliance collaboration. The European Commission encourages alliances to collaborate, and knowledge exchange platforms can broaden best practices. For instance, a coalition of eight universities could share a joint online library, significantly reducing subscription costs per institution.
Take Action to Join the European Digital UniverCity Network
If your university is ready to strengthen ties across Europe and boost its digital learning capabilities, consider applying to join the European Digital UniverCity alliance. Below are several steps to move forward:
- Prepare a high‑level proposal. Highlight how your institution’s strengths align with EDU’s strategic pillars.
- Establish an internal consortium. Involve stakeholders from research, teaching, and administration to ensure comprehensive support.
- Secure executive endorsement. Get commitment from the rector or vice‑chancellor to champion the alliance.
- Explore funding opportunities. Review Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and national grants available for cross‑campus projects.
By taking these actions, you can position your university as a forward‑thinking partner within a European network that accelerates research collaboration and student mobility.
Questions or Further Information?
Our team of international relations specialists is ready to answer any questions about the European Digital UniverCity, prepare application materials, or provide expert consultation. Reach out via email at [email protected] or connect through our social media channels listed below.
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