Connected Communities (CC)
Connected Communities (CC) represent the core element of EUTOPIA’s approach to developing and sharing knowledge within the framework of the European University Initiative EUTOPIA MORE Erasmus+ (2022–2026).
They build on the experience and results of the former Connected Learning Communities (CLC) and Connected Research Communities (CRC), developed during the pilot phase of the EUTOPIA project (2019–2022).
What are Connected Communities?
Connected Communities are integrated thematic networks that bring together teachers, researchers, and students from the universities within the EUTOPIA alliance.
Their goal is to collaborate on teaching and research activities carried out across campuses.
These communities do not aim to impose changes but rather to strengthen existing good practices, promoting challenge-based learning and research by creating interuniversity links at the European level.
CCs reflect EUTOPIA’s vision of openness, collaboration, and the reduction of traditional academic barriers.
Main Areas of Action
- Connecting academia with society:
CCs address socially relevant topics and challenges, involving stakeholders from diverse fields such as business, the public sector, cultural organizations, and other community actors. - Integrated teaching and research:
Participants combine their expertise in education and research to test new models of intercampus cooperation.
These activities create a lasting impact that goes beyond the individual experience of the staff and students involved. - Inclusion:
CCs promote open access to learning activities, using flexible and blended formats to engage a diverse range of learners from all partner universities.
How are Connected Communities formed?
Based on shared criteria, EUTOPIA member universities nominate leaders for the new Connected Communities.
These leaders are academic staff or researchers from within the alliance who are motivated to collaborate with colleagues working on similar topics at other EUTOPIA institutions.
During the so-called incubation period, the leader and selected partners gradually move from simple resource sharing to the implementation of joint intercampus learning and knowledge activities, supported by the EUTOPIA central team.
Long-Term Results and Impact
The incubation process generates a wide range of benefits, including:
- the development of transnational learning formats for students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD);
- international exposure for participants;
- shared access to data, resources, and specialized infrastructures;
- promotion of research-based learning;
- increased synergy and complementarity in teaching activities;
- joint participation in national and international funding calls;
- opportunities for academic publications and extended collaborations.
After this stage, each Community may choose one or several pathways toward sustainability, such as:
- integration into existing academic programmes,
- development of joint degrees or shared courses,
- continuation of collaborative research projects,
all with the purpose of fostering innovation in higher education and research across Europe.
🔗 For more information, and to view the members and activities of the Connected Communities, please visit the following link:
👉 https://eutopia-university.eu/english-version/educational-model