Mission and Main Pillars

Internationalisation and academic exchange are key to a cosmopolitan worldview that counters nationalist and populist tensions. NEOLAiA will develop a series of mobility and multicultural initiatives that will go beyond traditional exchange programmes and lead to a seamlessly integrated alliance of international universities.

Inclusive societies recognise diversity as a contribution to economic and social development. NEOLAiA will be characterised by the principles of widening participation and inclusion and guided by the concept of equity in education and research. It will create standards, policies, training and certification for diversity and inclusion (D&I) and multilingual education. In addition, a strong focus on community engagement for D&I through open events will increase intercultural awareness among the academic community and societies in the largely diverse populations of the non-metropolitan

Research and scientific output with real impact on regional development will be sponsored by a smart specialisation strategy based on existing regional research capacities and strengths as identified in the NEOLAiA needs assessment (bibliometric research, in section 1.1.4, also in Annex) on areas of specialisation referencing the three NEOLAiA key pillars and the NEOLAiA key application area of global health). NEOLAiA actions will utilise digital approval for research by mapping synergies and resources between partners to increase.

Universities play a key role in regional economic development by bridging the gap between education, research, knowledge transfer and economic performance. NEOLAiA will benefit academic communities and society at large in non-metropolitan regions with new educational infrastructures that support the transfer of ideas into production and contribute to the regional and economic development of their partners.

 

NEOLAiA will develop common teaching and learning standards and increase the number of double/multiple and other joint degree programmes to create a "European area of learning" based on regional and diverse perspectives.