The Community for Educational Innovation: Fostering Transformation in Education
The Community for Educational Innovation is an Erasmus+ programme’s initiative by the European Commission (DG EAC), and a tool of the EHESO - Strategic Transformation Toolbox. It unites educational institutions, educators, businesses, and policymakers to advance educational innovation and equip learners with the skills and mindsets needed to navigate and contribute to Europe’s innovation landscape. CEI fosters a collaborative ecosystem where members connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and access knowledge and resources on educational innovation.
Thematic Focus by Semester
The work of the CEI is structured around four key thematic strands, each explored over the course of a semester. These strands allow members to engage deeply with specific dimensions of innovation in education, from entrepreneurship to sustainability:
- Entrepreneurial skills and mindsets in education (1st semester of 2025): Exploring diverse approaches to entrepreneurship education at all levels.
- From research to impact - Bridging the innovation gap in higher education (2nd semester of 2025): Facilitating the translation of research into practical innovations within higher education institutions.
- Education for green and digital innovation (1st semester of 2026): Preparing learners with the necessary skills to drive green and digital transitions.
- Lifelong learning for an innovative workforce (2nd semester of 2026): Fostering lifelong learning initiatives to ensure a skilled workforce capable of responding to evolving societal needs.
At the end of each thematic semester, CEI publishes comprehensive documents based on community activities, surveys and interviews, summarising the last semester's discussions and offering actionable recommendations on each thematic strand.
CEI Activities
To support its mission, CEI organises a range of activities aligned with each thematic strand:
- Thematic webinars: Featuring experts, practitioners, and policymakers who share insights and experiences on cutting-edge educational challenges and solutions.
- In-person study visits: Providing opportunities to observe and learn from innovative educational practices across different European regions.
In addition, CEI collects case studies from community members that highlight successful and promising innovations in education, offering inspiration and practical guidance.
Connection to HEInnovate
The Community for Educational Innovation is developed under the HEInnovate initiative, a self-reflection tool for higher education institutions to explore and advance their innovative and entrepreneurial potential. In that regard, CEI also functions as a hub for institutions using HEInnovate to reflect on their innovation journeys and share experiences.
Joining the Community for Educational Innovation
Becoming a part of the CEI community is easy. To register, complete the CEI Registration Form. Once registered, you’ll be registered for the CEI newsletter and gain access to a dedicated MS Teams platform with a wealth of activities, including webinars, study visits, and ongoing discussions. Through the platform, you can connect with peers, access exclusive resources, and participate in upcoming events.
- News
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
📍 6–7 July 2026 | New Bulgarian University , Sofia, Bulgaria The first CEI Study Visit of 2026 brought together 14 higher education professionals from across Europe at New Bulgarian University (NBU) in Sofia for two days of knowledge exchange, peer learning and practical reflection on one of higher...
- CEI
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
This webinar examines how education providers can help learners navigate entry into employment and adapt to changing workforce demands. Participants will explore approaches that strengthen digital and transferable skills, support career transitions and respond to emerging skills shortages. 💡 Key topics include: Reskilling for labour-market entry HE...
- CEI
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
This webinar examines how partnerships across education, industry and other sectors can build stronger skills ecosystems and prepare for future workforce needs. Participants will explore how shared knowledge, coordinated action and sustained collaboration can improve skills planning, foster applied innovation and strengthen connections between...
- CEI
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
This webinar examines how education and training providers can design flexible pathways that respond to diverse needs and changing labour market demands. Participants will explore approaches that widen access, support lifelong learning and recognise existing knowledge and experience. 💡 Key topics include: Recognition of Prior Learning Micro...
- News
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
The Community for Educational Innovation (CEI) has published its Activity Report for the first semester of 2026. Hosted within HEInnovate, the CEI is a growing European community of practice that now brings together over 1,600 members from 108 countries, representing all EU Member States. Its...
- CEI
- Event
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
The Community fro Educational Innovation (CEI) invites motivated professionals to apply for the CEI Study Visit 2026, taking place on 6-7 July 2026 and hosted by New Bulgarian University in Sofia, Bulgaria. This immersive, fully funded visit will explore how education institutions can drive the twin transition — green and digital — preparing...
- CEI
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
This webinar examines how institutional leaders translate sustainability commitments into embedded practice across operations, curriculum, research, and regional engagement in higher education. Participants will explore integrated approaches to sustainability governance, discovering how universities catalyse regional sustainable development while...
- CEI
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
This webinar explores how institutions move beyond basic digitalisation toward genuine digital transformation that enhances educational quality and prepares students for rapidly evolving labour markets. The session examines comprehensive approaches to building digital capacity across institutional communities, emphasising that digital education is...
- CEI
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
This webinar examines the powerful synergy between digital transformation and sustainability in higher education. We will explore how Green and Digital innovations reinforce one another to build resilient, future-ready institutions. Participants will discover why this Twin Transition is a critical strategic opportunity for higher education...
- News
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
📍 24 to 26 November 2025 | St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, Austria The second CEI Study Visit of 2025 took place on 24 to 26 November in St. Pölten, Austria, hosted by St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (USTP). Bringing together 15 participants from across Europe, the visit...
- CEI
- Event
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
Apply here ! The Community for Educational Innovation (CEI) invites motivated professionals to apply for the CEI Study Visit 2025-II, taking place on 25-26 November 2025 and hosted by St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. This immersive, fully funded visit is designed to further equip participants to translate research into impact, bridging...
- CEI
- Event
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
Details This webinar explores how higher education institutions support researchers in turning their discoveries into research-based innovations and societal impact. In this session, we will examine practical approaches to consolidating a robust ecosystem of services for knowledge valorisation. The discussion will highlight how these strategies...
- CEI
- Event
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
Details This webinar explores strategies for fostering researchers' skills, mindsets, and leadership to promote knowledge-based innovation and valorisation. In this session, we will explore how institutions upskill and reskill researchers to drive knowledge-based innovation and create real-world value. We will discuss how to build a vibrant...
- CEI
- Event
- Webinar
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
Details This webinar explores how higher education institutions collaborate with non-academic partners to drive knowledge valorisation and foster knowledge-based innovation. In this session, we will examine the models and practical approaches higher education institutions use to engage with external stakeholders, including government, industry, and...
- News
- Contains controls to share this content on social networks or by email.Share this page
Barcelona, 25 June 2025 – Set against the vibrant backdrop of Barcelona’s innovation ecosystem, the first CEI Study Visit of 2025 took place on 18–19 June, focusing on Entrepreneurial Skills and Mindsets in Education: From Ideas to Action. Hosted by the Centre for Funding and Innovation (CFI...