On May 13-14, 2024, the SPHERE Seminar on “Universities’ Third Mission: Partnering for Social and Economic Development” was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This event gathered Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) teams and National Erasmus+ Offices (NEOs) from around the globe, featuring 70 experts and representatives from 21 countries.
Algeria was represented by two delegates: Pr. Boudour Mohamed, the national Erasmus+ coordinator, and Pr. Kahina Djiar, a HERE expert.
The seminar underscored the evolving role of universities in societal engagement, particularly in addressing challenges such as changing labor market demands, climate change, and the transition to carbon-free economies. Universities are increasingly expected to provide solutions to these issues and demonstrate their societal commitment.
The event aimed to explore the diverse contributions of universities to their local and broader development ecosystems. It examined how universities can tailor their efforts to specific contexts and maximize their impact through innovation and collaboration. Participants shared case studies from their institutions and countries, discussing both successes and challenges. The seminar also explored strategies to enhance collaboration between universities, industry, and civil society to address real-world challenges related to sustainable development.