UNICA Strategic Plan 2026-2027
12 February 2026
UNICA presents its 2026–2027 Strategy, building on the achievements of previous years and responding to the dynamic European higher education landscape.
With headquarters in Brussels and a unique position at the intersection of academia, policy, and civic engagement, UNICA strengthens the role of capital-city universities as engines of knowledge, innovation, and societal impact.
The strategy is structured around five Strategic Objectives: advancing innovative, digital, and inclusive learning while safeguarding academic freedom; fostering policy dialogue and strategic partnerships; promoting sustainability and the green transition; enhancing research and innovation capacity; and strengthening universities’ civic and urban engagement.
Each objective is linked to measurable actions, indicators, and targets, ensuring accountability and tangible results.
Implementation is guided by four Strategic Pillars: empower institutions, connect universities, advocate for higher education, inspire change. These pillars provide the operational framework to mobilise the network, facilitate peer learning, foster collaboration, and amplify member universities’ voices at European and global levels.
By combining ambition with actionable strategies, UNICA strategic plan 2026–2027 supports its members in addressing contemporary challenges, scaling innovative practices, and reinforcing the societal, democratic, and global contribution of capital-city universities.
This strategy underscores UNICA’s commitment to shaping a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable European higher education and Research landscape.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.