Aligning Strategy Across an Alliance: HEInnovate Meets CHARM-EU in Turku

Aligning Strategy Across an Alliance: HEInnovate Meets CHARM-EU in Turku
📍 Turku, Finland | 15 October 2026

HEInnovate joined the CHARM-EU European Universities alliance for an onsite workshop supporting the revision of its Strategic Plan 2026–2036. Around 40 representatives from the nine partner universities took part, using the HEInnovate dimensions to identify shared strengths to build on and common challenges to tackle.

From self-assessment to strategic priorities

Ahead of the workshop, each partner completed the HEInnovate self-assessment, adapted with the alliance to leave out the dimension Preparing and Supporting Entrepreneurs, since CHARM-EU’s goals reach well beyond entrepreneurship. After an introduction from CHARM-EU Secretary General Meritxell Chaves on the four revised pillars of the Strategic Plan, facilitators Luciana Grillo and Karla Ricaurte (Verian) presented a cross-comparison of the results side by side. 

The results demonstrated what the partner universities shared in terms of collective strengths and shared challenges. Highest scoring points were seen on internationalised institution, entrepreneurial ecosystem and networks, and digital transformation and capability, and lowest scoring points in organisational capacity and impact of entrepreneurial HEI. 

Aa rich discussed followed the results: participants noted that the statements focus on measuring the impact of entrepreneurial activities covers only part of what the institutions do, and not always the ones respondents know about. They felt that the low scores reflect how the statements were framed rather than a real gap, enabling confidence in the participating universities' that their practices in this area are strong, and that the conversation aided that strength to come to light. 

The group also shared how they approached the exercise, with several benchmarking their university against what they expected their partners to score. With around four respondents per institution, the results provided a valuable insight: a broader group of respondents is a great next step for institutions starting their own HEInnovate journey. Who to involve, and how many, depends on what each institution wants to achieve with the tool.

Turning insight into input

Participants first worked in institutional teams, placing post-its with their strengths and challenges under each dimension, followed by a gallery walk. Mixed-institution groups then took one dimension each, using the Action Cards to discuss what the alliance can build on, which challenges to watch, and what is still missing. Each group recorded key considerations for the four strategic pillars and shared them in plenary. The results will feed into the strategy’s finalisation and be presented to the Rectors at the Strategic Board meeting on 22 October.

Interested in bringing an HEInnovate workshop to your alliance, network or institution? Get in touch.