Building Change from Within: Strategies for Institutional Development and International Cooperation

The ConnectED project invites representatives of partner universities to apply for a three-day interactive workshop training designed to strengthen strategic thinking, institutional development and international cooperation in higher education.

Many universities engage in international activities through individual projects and initiatives. Yet the impact of these efforts often remains limited when they are not embedded in the institution's own structures, priorities and working culture. Building sustainable international partnerships requires more than project experience – it requires a clear understanding of where your institution stands, where it wants to go, and how to get there.

Facilitated by Prof. Dr. Pierre Ibisch (ECONICS Institute e.V.) and Angela Dichte, the workshop introduces participants to the MARISCO (Adaptive Management of Vulnerability and Risk at Conservation) methodology a practical framework for understanding complex systems, identifying leverage points for change and developing collaborative project ideas.

Rather than focusing on individual projects, the workshop encourages participants to take a broader systems perspective, analyse institutional challenges together, and co-create strategies that can contribute to long-term organisational development and sustainable international partnerships.

📍 Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE), Germany
📅 30 November – 2 December 2026

👉🏻 Apply for participation

Registration deadline: 21 August 2026.

What participants will gain

During the workshop participants will:

• explore higher education through a systems thinking approach;

• reflect on the goals and outcomes of the Ukrainian Higher Education system

• identify key institutional challenges and their underlying causes;

• learn how to develop and assess strategic interventions;

• work collaboratively on sketching project ideas;

• exchange experiences and build long-term partnerships with colleagues from Ukrainian and German universities.

Workshop highlights

Over three days, participants will work through a structured process that includes:

• Day 1 – Understanding the System

  • Introduction to the MARISCO methodology

  • Mapping the higher education system and its key actors

  • Identifying system functions, enabling conditions and major challenges

  • Analysing root causes and prioritising critical issues

• Day 2 – From Challenges to Strategies

  • Reviewing existing institutional approaches

  • Developing and assessing strategic responses

  • Introduction to the Theory of Change

  • Collaborative development of Result Webs

• Day 3 – From Strategies to Projects

  • Transforming strategies into concrete project concepts

  • Developing project sketches in interdisciplinary groups

  • Presenting ideas, receiving feedback and identifying opportunities for future collaboration

The workshop is highly interactive and based on collaborative group work, discussions and facilitated exercises. Participants are expected to actively contribute throughout the entire programme.

Who should apply?

The workshop is intended for representatives of higher education institutions who are involved in:

• university management and institutional development;

• project management and strategic development;

• international relations and internationalisation;

• research and academic cooperation;

• teaching and curriculum development.

This workshop will be particularly valuable for colleagues who are interested in developing and strengthening their own institution using systemic approaches. The workshop will not focus on specific research fields, nor will it serve to develop specific research projects or curricula. Instead, it will focus on the universities and the Ukrainian university system as a whole.

In your application, please tell us how your work and interests connect to these topics and what you hope to contribute to the group.

Pair applications encouraged

We strongly encourage colleagues from the same university to apply in pairs - ideally one representative from an academic role and one from administration or an international relations office.

This combination brings together complementary perspectives and helps translate workshop outcomes into institutional practice.

If applying as a pair, each participant must submit a separate application form.

Pair applications will be given priority during the selection process. Individual applications are also welcome and will be considered.

Language requirements

The workshop will be conducted in English.

Please note that no Ukrainian interpretation will be provided. Participants should therefore have a working knowledge of English (recommended B2 level or higher) that enables them to actively participate in discussions, group work and collaborative exercises.

Participation

Participation is free of charge. All travel and accommodation expenses are covered by the host organisation with funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

👉🏻 Apply for participation

Registration deadline: 21 August 2026.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues who are eager to contribute to institutional development, strengthen international cooperation and collaborate on new ideas within the ConnectED network.