The NEXT-HEI project aims to transform Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) into key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional development across Europe. By enhancing commercialization capacities, fostering entrepreneurship, and building robust collaborations between academia, industry, and other innovation actors, the project addresses critical gaps in Europe’s innovation ecosystems.

NEXT-HEI will implement a comprehensive Innovation Vision Action Plan (IVAP) designed to empower HEIs, particularly those in moderate and emerging innovator regions, by developing tailored capacity-building programs, supporting startup creation, and fostering integration into regional and European innovation networks. Central to this effort are three pillars: equipping HEIs with entrepreneurial tools and training, enhancing cross-regional collaboration, and promoting inclusivity to ensure gender balance and youth engagement.

Through strategic activities such as mentorship, venture-building courses, and matchmaking events, NEXT-HEI will support over 35 HEIs and 50 startups in achieving sustainability and scaling impact, and will train more than 875 students on Venture Building to foster entrepreneurial mindset.. By leveraging existing best practices and partnerships, the project will accelerate the commercialization of deep-tech innovations and the creation of spin-offs, directly contributing to the EU’s goals of digital and green transitions.

NEXT-HEI aligns closely with the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda and regional Smart Specialisation Strategies, ensuring systemic impact and institutional transformation. It engages a diverse consortium of HEIs, research centers, and private-sector partners, uniting expertise to tackle societal challenges and enhance Europe’s innovation leadership.

With a strong focus on systemic change, NEXT-HEI ensures sustainability beyond the project duration by institutionalizing successful practices, fostering stakeholder networks, and embedding innovation-driven growth strategies within HEIs. The project will directly contribute to inclusive, interconnected, and dynamic innovation ecosystems, positioning HEIs as central actors in Europe’s economic and societal advancement.

Project coordinator

Francesca Dominici, UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA TOR VERGATA (contact)