By implementing the Time4UNIchange project, our primary objective was to equip HEIs, particularly their leadership and professional staff, with the necessary tools and guidelines to foster cultural change among academics. We aimed to create a supportive environment that promotes a more positive attitude towards external engagement and entrepreneurial activities. Our goals included: Conducting Research: We analysed the needs and perceptions of academics regarding entrepreneurialism and external engagement. This included reviewing change management concepts suitable for universities and identifying best practices for awareness-raising and cultural change. Developing and Validating a Toolkit: Based on our research, we have developed a comprehensive toolkit for nurturing cultural change towards engaged and entrepreneurial universities. This toolkit includes strategy guides and a collection of tools focused on raising awareness, enhancing communication, incentivisation and rewards, and navigating the support environment. We have conducted a validation expert roundtable and collected feedback in partner universities to improve the toolkit and collect insights on its effective utilisation and promotion across the HEI sector.
We applied for the Time4UniChange project to address the critical need for cultural transformation within European HEIs. Our objective was to enhance the entrepreneurial and engagement activities among academic faculties, which were previously low despite existing policy support. This project aimed to raise awareness of the benefits of external engagement and entrepreneurial activities, improve communication channels within HEIs, and increase motivation among academics through targeted incentive mechanisms. By addressing these needs, we successfully cultivated an institutional culture that supports university-business cooperation and regional growth. Our efforts guided academics in balancing their traditional roles with new entrepreneurial activities, ultimately contributing to a more innovative and connected higher education sector across Europe.