Universities and the Green Deal objectives
For the last few years, our network has been focusing on the interconnectedness between the digital and green transitions to support institutional transformation. Members reflected on their role in contributing to the green transition and organised brown bag lunch events, discussing best practices on carbon footprint calculation (Pompeu Fabra University) and operational sustainability (University of Glasgow).
In the face of the European Union’s increasing focus on global competitiveness, security and preparedness for future crises, a new (more industry-focused) approach to the green transition is emerging. Yet, members took note of the Draghi report on Europe’s competitiveness which emphasised the role of research and investment in sustainable technology for Europe’s global competitiveness. Driven by their concern that maintaining the momentum on the Green Deal objectives is crucial for Europe’s preparedness, The Guild’s members reflected on how universities can help drive the Green Deal objectives to ensure Europe’s long-term sustainability.
Fostering sustainability: the role of universities in addressing the climate and nature crises
The insight paper ‘Universities in the face of the climate and nature crises: Redoubling our commitment to a sustainable future’, discusses how we can bring to the attention of policymakers the holistic support Europe’s universities can provide as a contribution to the Green Deal’s objectives. The paper argues that the new policy objectives of Europe on competitiveness and preparedness must align with its commitment to societal welfare and environmental sustainability and that this can only be achieved through embracing complexity and systems thinking.
Our universities are in a unique position to enable and strengthen sustainability, to foster interconnectedness across subjects and approaches – through excellence in research, education, innovation and Third Mission, and through international, equitable collaboration. Our insight paper aims to stimulate a debate across university communities, funders and policymakers across Europe (and beyond) about how we can best learn from each other, and how we can maximise our impact towards achieving the Green Deal objectives, as part of our wider mission to serve society. Furthermore, the paper discusses, through concrete examples from our members, how universities must redouble their efforts to inspire each other in addressing the climate and nature crises.
Redoubling our commitment to a sustainable future
On 1 April 2025, we launched the insight paper through an online webinar featuring discussions between members of our working group and representatives from the European Commission, Michiel Scheffer (EIC), Frank Siebern-Thomas (DG EMPL) and Susanne Conze (DG EAC). We were also delighted that Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, participated on his first day in office to highlight the need for equitable international partnership in addressing the climate and nature crises. The event was opened by Jan Palmowski, Secretary-General, calling for action and emphasising the role of universities in achieving the Green Deal objectives. Jaime Toney (University of Glasgow) outlined the key arguments of the paper, and this was followed by the contribution of Morten Dæhlen (University of Oslo), presenting the findings of The Guild’s previous insight paper on the role of digital research for a successful green transition.
The first panel, with the participation of Mette Halskov Hansen (University of Oslo) and Thomas Breu (University of Bern) from our member universities, focused on how universities can use their research to align competitiveness, preparedness and the AI revolution with a continued focus on just and sustainable transition. The second panel discussed the role of higher education and explored ways to strengthen complex problem-solving skills and sustainability expertise among students, not least through innovative pedagogies and student-centred learning, with contributions from Stéphanie Panichelli-Batalla (University of Warwick) and Jaap Rohof (Radboud University) highlighting their institutional best practices.
Other articles
- A new Commission, new priorities: Europe’s global competitiveness
- Advocating for a standalone Framework Programme for R&I
- Empowering higher education in the EU
- Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence
- A renewed impetus for the European Research Area
- At the forefront of digital transformation
- Transforming health research in Europe
- Interviews with The Guild interns