Initiated in October 2020, UNITA concluded its pilot phase in November 2023.

The impacts generated by the UNITA Alliance find their roots in the shared values and commonalities that bind its members. The Alliance, in its pilot phase, comprised six universities, each possessing three fundamental characteristics that reinforce their shared purpose:

1. they are strategically positioned in rural and mountain regions
2. they are situated in cross-border areas of Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, facing analogous challenges within similar ecosystems
3. they belong to member states where neo-Latin languages are spoken, expressing a collective commitment to actively employ languages beyond English, thus championing linguistic diversity and fostering inclusion.

The UNITA activities were coordinated by 8 Work Packages (WPs), each aiming to achieve a specific objective.

The summary below presents the main Outputs, Outcomes and Impacts produced by each WP task.

WP1 - The cornerstones of the UNITA community: creating a participative, open, inclusive, and effective European university

Activity 1.1 - Implementing UNITA governance and operational structure

• Output: Creation of the UNITA Governance and Operational Structure
  • The governance structure aims to promote participation and democracy and f. Features a multi-level model for stakeholder involvement. Core decision-making body: Governance Board. Advisory bodies include Students’ Assembly, Quality and Evaluation Board, Advisory Council.
• Outcome: Evolution of the UNITA Structure in view of UNITA II
  • Simplification of work package structures for increased efficiency.
  • Shift from WP-level operational groups to Task-level Task Forces.
  • Increase of active UNITA project members.
• Impact: 6 Additional New Member Universities and the UNITA-GEIE as a Full Partner
  • Expansion of member universities including the European Economic Interest Grouping (UNITA-GEIE), the UNITA legal entity fully recognized by European law.
  • Increased collaboration and partnership across different institutions.

Activity 1.2 – UNITA Management and Administration

• Output: UNITA Management Guide
  • Detailed guide on project management defining responsibilities and processes.
  • 6 UNITA offices in total have been established across all partner institutions. Each UNITA office is staffed by individuals with diverse roles and responsibilities.
  • Implementation of open-source common Datacloud workspace for sharing and organizing

UNITA’s documents, files, data, and other digital tools.

• Outcome: UNITA’S Workforce
  • Creation of 34 full-time administrative positions.
  • Involvement of over 400 individuals in various UNITA activities.
• Impact: UNITA institutional rooting: 96,7% of the internal academic faculties have participated in the Alliance’s activities.

Activity 1.3 – Enhancing Participation of Students, Staff, and Partners to Shape an Inclusive Participatory Community

• Output: UNITA Participatory Governance
  • Engagement of various stakeholders in governance.
  • Representation from rectors, administrative staff, professors, external experts, and students.
• Outcome: UNITA Stakeholder Analysis
  • 6 Founder universities
  • 160 000 students, 13 000 staff members including academics and administrative staff
  • 66 Associated partners and 85 Local partners (for UNITA Rural Mobility)
• Impact: Creation of the Unique and Pioneer Student Assembly
  • Establishment of a participative student-led community. More than 60 UNITA students have actively participated in the establishment of the UNITA Student Assembly.

Activity 1.4 – Ensuring the Quality of UNITA

• Output: Establishing an Internal Quality and Evaluation Process
  • Formation of Quality and Evaluation Board (QEB) for assessment.
  • Development of Quality Assurance policy and tools.
• Outcome: Achievements of the Innovative UNITA Quality Assurance System
  • Implementation of a comprehensive QA system involving stakeholders.
  • Positive external Quality evaluation by a national agency
  • High overall Quality evaluation score in project management indicating effectiveness.
• Impact: Dissemination of the Innovative Works of the UNITA Quality assurance system to the European Higher Education landscape
  • Sharing UNITA's QA experience and best practices internationally.
  • Influence on the European Higher Education landscape through participation in key events.

WP2-Establishment of international and innovative student-centered education at the UNITA level

Activity 2.1 - Laying the foundation for the recognition of international UNITA personalized study paths

• Output:
  • Establishment of the Hubs of Success (HoS) and development of the cartography of courses in three thematic areas. HoS provide counseling support for students preparing for mobility and offer personalized study paths within UNITA programs.
  • Development of a cartography of courses to visualize subjects and degrees in the three strategic thematic areas: Circular economy, Renewable energies and Cultural heritage
• Outcome:
  • 6,061 students have consulted the HoS.
  • Support in the implementation of 10 new forms of international education opportunities implemented at the UNITA level.
• Impact:
  • Organization of 36 UNITA Days to promote educational offerings reaching thousands of local students and academic staff.
  • Implementation of matching events leading to the ideation of 21 new international educational offers.

Activity 2.2 – Sharing best practices in digital learning and student-centered pedagogies

• Output:
  • Establishment of the Teaching and Learning Centers (TLC) network, organizing staff development and training, and promoting quality teaching.
• Outcome:
  • Organization of 9 workshop modules on innovative pedagogies for 925 teachers.
• Impact:
  • D. Position and Research on the topic based on an assessment exercise on the teachers’ needs in regard to teaching in an international environment and on students’ needs in regard to learning in an international environment.

Activity 2.3 – Assessing UNITA quality of teaching and learning

• Output:
  • Benchmark of UNITA’s universities' practices of Quality assurance of Teaching and Learning.
• Outcome:
  • Development of templates for surveys for students’ evaluation of UNITA educational offers, encompassing mobility opportunities and innovative UNITA courses.
• Impact:
  • Identification and diffusion of good practices related to Teaching and Learning Quality assurance.

WP3- United in diversity: towards enhanced multilingual intercomprehension in romance languages within UNITA

Activity 3.1 – Mapping the state of the art on IC

• Output:
  • Report on the current state-of-the-art IC practices and programs within and outside the UNITA community.
• Outcome:
  • Publication of free IC materials and training on the public UNITA website to increase access

to intercomprehension resources

• Impact:
  • Intercomprehension as a means of communication between UNITA staff particularly in written forms like emails and work chats

Activity 3.2 - IC education activities to transform the community within the UNITA partners’ community

• Output:
  • Development of an IC competence framework and 8 training models (for students, teachers, and administrative staff).
• Outcome:
  • 143 individuals, comprising students, teachers, and administrative staff, have acquired Intercomprehension (IC) skills through 44 IC courses tailored to the participants’ needs.
• Impact:
  • Creation of 6 different types of IC digital badges delivered to a total of 335 participants, certifying participation and the acquisition of skills.

Activity 3.3 – IC research and dissemination activities to transform society beyond the UNITA partners’ community

• Output:
  • Establishment of a Ph.D. position for research on IC based on UNITA activities.
  • Development and diffusion of guidelines for Intercomprehension courses and dissemination activities.
• Outcome:
  • Engaging in the IC academic discourse: active participation in scientific conferences and organization of an international conference on the topic
  • Expanding Reach: Introducing an IC Diploma for Firefighters and Facilitating Learning Activities for Primary School Students
• Impact:
  • Elevating intercomprehension research through the publication of 9 scientific articles and 1 Ph.D. thesis on IC

WP4-UNITA R&I: Catalyzing change in rural and mountain regions through innovation in cultural heritage, renewable energies, and circular economy

Activity 4.1 - Guiding UNITA universities' research toward transformative solutions for rural and mountain societal challenges

• Output:
  • Creation of the UNITA’s research and innovation cartography including 649 research projects to foster collaborative excellence in the three thematic areas.
• Outcome:
  • Establishment of Research and Innovation Hubs in Cultural Heritage, Renewable Energy, and Circular Economy for long-term strategies
• Impact:
  • UNITA’s integration of 157 researchers in the R&I Hubs

Activity 4.2 - Connecting research and learning

• Output:
  • Development of UNITA’s Transformative Micro-Credentials Shaping Expertise in Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, and Cultural Heritage.
• Outcome:
  • Organization of 16 summer/winter schools with 199 total participants.
• Impact:
  • Activation and sponsorship of 47 Ph.D co-tutelles within UNITA of which 35 integrated into the R&I Hubs.

Activity 4.3 - Energizing the territories through research and educational activities in the three thematic areas

• Output:
  • 93 external stakeholders from the socioeconomic environment of the territories included in the R&I Hubs
• Outcome:
  • Activation of 22 international innovation and research internships in companies, research centers, or institutions mainly focused on the three thematic areas
• Impact:
  • Activation of 49 self-funded UNITA joint research projects implemented by a total of 120 UNITA researchers

WP5-UNITA Digital Services

Activity 5.1 – Implementing UNITA digital services

• Output:
  • Set up of the UNITA Datacloud management tool for file-sharing and collaboration system https://datacloud.univ-unita.eu/. Based on an open-source solution, It incorporates useful apps such as files, calendars, video-conference rooms, chat, boards, polls, forms, and a knowledge space.
• Outcome:
  • Establishment and maintenance of the UNITA public website https://www.univ-unita.eu/ serving as a virtual showcase, offering detailed insights into UNITA’s history, its core mission, and the diverse activities undertaken by the member universities.
  • Establishment and maintenance of the UNITA Virtual Campus (#UVC) as an educational and research platform https://vcampus.univ-unita.eu/
• Impact:
  • 356 European Student Cards (ESC) issued at the UNITA level that combines a physical student card and a digital account, streamlining administrative processes and providing a unified means of identity verification throughout a student’s academic journey.

WP6-UNITA Mobility for All

Activity 6.1 - Developing new forms of original UNITA mobilities for all

• Output:
  • Internal analysis to unfold the barriers and drivers to mobility through a survey participated

by 13.662 people

• Outcome:
  • Development of four new forms of mobility: Virtual Mobilities, UNITA Blended Intensive Programs, UNITA Collaborative International Learning, and UNITA Rural Mobilities resulting in a total of 1.755 student mobilities activated within the Alliance.
• Impact:
  • Increased student interest in new mobility applications over the years, evidenced by a surge in applications for Blended Intensive Programs and Rural Mobilities.

.

Activity 6.2 - Development and implementation of Rural Erasmus internships

• Output:
  • Development and implementation of 313 UNITA Rural Mobilities (URM)
• Outcome:
  • 85 organizations from the local socioeconomic environment engaged in the URM
• Impact:
  • Research activities and public dissemination events highlighting the impact of URMs on students and local communities.
  • Expanded influence of URM initiative beyond UNITA, demonstrated by international collaborations and workshops.

Activity 6.3 - Digitalizing and facilitating mobility

• Output:
  • Digitalization of administrative mobility processes through initiatives like Erasmus Without Paper and Digital Learning Agreements.
  • Implementation of Flexibility Windows to support personalized study paths, enhancing adaptability and enriched student experiences.
• Outcome:
  • Publication of a framework of skills developed during UNITA mobilities, bridging the gap between experiential learning and tangible skill development.
• Impact:
  • Activation of 2.473 mobilities involving students and staff, showcasing the effectiveness of UNITA initiatives in fostering diverse and inclusive mobility experiences.

WP7-UNITA strengthening European Identity, Citizenship & Values

Activity 7.1 - Promoting EU citizenship and values to the student community

• Output:
  • Organization of 12 workshops on European Citizenship and Values with a total of 802 participants.
• Outcome:
  • Implementation of 2 virtual mobility courses on European Citizenship followed by a total of 800 students.
• Impact:
  • 127 open digital badges for the European Citizenship course issued as long-lasting certification of impact.

Activity 7.2 - Promoting EU citizenship and value to society

• Output:
  • Organization of 12 workshops in rural and mountain areas on European Citizenship and Values with a total of 802 participants.
• Outcome:
  • Organization of 9 courses on European Identity and Citizenship for rural communities with 248 total participants.
• Impact:
  • UNITA university students acting as ambassadors for the promotion of EU Citizenship and Identity engaged over 1000 local high school students.

Activity 7.3 - Promoting EU citizenship and value through research

• Output:
  • Organization of an open conference on European Citizenship.
• Outcome:
  • UNITA awards prizes for master’s and bachelor’s theses on European Citizenship.
• Impact:
  • Activation of a Ph.D. position on EU Citizenship.

WP8- UNITA sustainability and dissemination to ensure the continuity and uptake of the Alliance

Activity 8.1 - Ensuring the uptake of the Alliance

• Output:
  • Winning the EU call for European Universities
• Outcomes:
  • €10.2 million in additional funding - obtained through competitive calls for common actions beyond the EUI project - equal to 204% of the initial budget provided by the European Universities call
• Impacts:
  • Creation of the UNITA GEIE: the Alliance’s legal entity
  • UNITA constellation projects

Activity 8.2 – UNITA dissemination and communication

• Output:
  • UNITA Visual identity
    • Outcome:
      • UNITA is present on 5 social media platforms with a total of 4952 followers at the end of the pilot phase
      • UNITA news: over 300 subscribers to the UNITA newsletter
    • Impact:
      • Activation of the UNITA podcast
      • 12 patronage issued by UNITA to various initiatives and events

Activity 8.3 – UNITA role model in shaping the EU higher education landscape

• Output:
  • Publication of the Manual of Best Practices
    • Outcome:
      • Organization of the UNITA U*Night
    • Impact:
      • 131 presentations of UNITA in external events

UNITA Societal Impact Report Phase I

The University of Turin has released its UNITA Societal Impact Report Phase I, detailing the Alliance's progress during its initial phase. This report outlines UNITA's concrete changes to enhance collaboration among European universities.

The Report explores the profound changes the Alliance has brought about during its pilot phase, shedding light on the transformative processes and outcomes that underscore its dedication to creating a more interconnected, collaborative, and globally competitive European higher education landscape.

By examining UNITA's early results, the report clearly shows the Alliance's impact on participating institutions and its potential to influence broader educational policies across Europe.

The need for assessing the societal impacts of UNITA

Universities, revered as centres of knowledge creation and dissemination, are intricately woven into the fabric of their local communities. While their positive contributions are often lauded, the multifaceted nature of universities necessitates a thorough examination of their societal impacts.

Differentiating impacts into economic, environmental, health and wellbeing, policy and/or product development, professional and public services, social and cultural, internationalization, and capacity building showcases the diverse avenues through which universities influence society.

Evaluating societal impacts is not just a formal process but an ethical responsibility that universities owe to the communities they serve. As institutions that benefit from public trust, resources, and intellectual contributions, universities must ensure that their research, education, and outreach efforts have a positive impact on society. This means not only meeting procedural obligations but also actively engaging with communities, addressing social inequalities, and fostering inclusive development and well-being. Upholding this ethical responsibility is essential for universities to maintain their legitimacy and fulfill their mission.

The report shows how UNITA values of sustainability, responsible governance, and community engagement, are reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between universities and their local ecosystems.

Structure of the Societal Impact Report

The report's first chapter is dedicated to the methodology adopted for identifying and assessing UNITA’s societal impact.

The following chapters present the specific impacts stemming from the following eight objectives - coordinated by 8 Work Packages (WPs) - providing a comprehensive understanding of UNITA’s transformative influence: 

1. Creating a Participative, Open, Inclusive, and Effective European University
2. Establishment of international and innovative student centered education at the UNITA level
3. United in diversity: towards enhanced multilingual intercomprehension in romance languages within UNITA
4. UNITA R&I: Catalyzing change in rural and mountain regions through innovation in cultural heritage, renewable energies, and circular economy
5. UNITA digital services
6. UNITA mobility for all
7. UNITA strengthening European Identity, Citizenship & Values
8. UNITA sustainability and dissemination to ensure the continuity and uptake of the Alliance

Download the full report: https://zenodo.org/records/10853037

Download the executive summary of the Report: https://zenodo.org/records/13691916