Digital Transformation for University-born Innovation and Entrepreneurship (DIGIMPACT.EU) is an initiative set up by four EU Higher Education Institutions (HEI) – Gdańsk University of Technology (GUT), University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK), University of Granada (UGR) and University of the Aegean (UAG-pioneer) – and one Small and Medium-sized Enterprise, Crowdpolicy (CP-pioneer).
It aims to provide digital transformation in higher education, transforming academic innovations into market-ready solutions, maturing and scaling these solutions to ensure their relevance and impact. This involves creating inclusive communities of practice to foster knowledge exchange, and building resilient networks to last beyond the project’s duration.
UNU-EGOV participates as an associate partner in the project. Over 25 months (2025–2027), DIGIMPACT.EU develops innovative digital platforms and services that support learners, researchers, and entrepreneurs through the entire innovation journey, from idea generation to prototyping, business modelling, and scaling.
Activities
A1. Foster digital transformation in Higher Education Institutions
A2. Build cross-sector partnerships between HEIs, businesses, authorities, and NGOs
A3. Co-create digital education and entrepreneurship programmes
A4. Develop tools and infrastructure for learning, mentoring, and innovation
A5. Tackle societal challenges in digital migration, emergency response, sustainable agriculture, and urban mobility
Outputs
D1.1. To strengthen HEI expertise in I&E by fostering collaborations with business and social groups
D1.2. Educational programs that enhance labor market readiness
D2.1. Address regional disparities and supporting new ventures by fostering entrepreneurial mindsets
D2.2. Increase youth employability and stronger student, researcher and industry networks
D.3.1. Co-create I&E education programs with businesses, social groups and NGOs
D.3.2. Co-create curricula that transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills, embedding innovation in academic frameworks
D.4.1. Foster partnerships among authorities, businesses and HEIs, towards regional solutions aligned with the EIT KIC priorities
D.5.1. Link academia, industry, and policymakers to turn research into market-ready solutions
D.5.2. Develop scalable business models, resource-efficient strategies, and actionable policy recommendations
D.6.1. Foster youth employability, strengthening regional economies, and creating new businesses
D.6.2. Develop impactful start-ups contributing to environmental and economic sustainability
D.7.1. Position HEIs as leaders in entrepreneurial ecosystems by embedding innovation into their structures
D.7.2. Develop accelerators and gender-balanced initiatives for inclusivity
D.8.1. Ensure tailored regional solutions by addressing S3 priorities in urban mobility, sustainable agriculture, etc
D.8.2. Design participatory approaches advancing S3
