The Balanced and Enhanced Collaboration for an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (BECEE, 24242) initiative has been officially awarded EIT funding, reflecting the rigorous evaluation of the proposal according to the criteria set out in the Guidelines for EIT Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Initiative Call for Proposals 2024/IMP-ED 25-21383-23-01. This funding recognition underscores the initiative’s potential to drive impactful, scalable solutions in response to pressing global challenges.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly pivotal in fostering resilience and transformative action. The BECEE initiative positions HEIs as central actors in addressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and societal inequalities. By leveraging their research, education, and innovation capacities, HEIs are uniquely placed to catalyze entrepreneurship that is both transformative and socially responsible. BECEE embodies this vision by promoting bold action, collaborative innovation, and systemic change.
The initiative represents a transformative collaboration between four leading European HEIs: Hanze University of Applied Sciences (HUAS, Netherlands), Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW, Switzerland), South East Technological University (SETU, Ireland), and Universiteti “Aleksandër Moisiu” Durrës (UAMD, Albania). As the leading partner of the STARS EU Alliance, HUAS contributes its extensive expertise and pan-European network, ensuring that the initiative benefits from the alliance’s cumulative experience and collaborative approach.
The BECEE consortium fully embraces the EIT Knowledge Triangle Model by linking education, research, and business. The initiative engages four industry partners KPN (Netherlands), Innofuse (Switzerland), Dungarvan Enterprise Centre (Ireland), and Linda Laboratory (Albania) to co-develop actionable plans that foster balanced and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems across the partner regions.
Through this strategically designed partnership, BECEE leverages the diverse strengths and expertise of all members to create synergistic innovation, transcending the capabilities of any single institution. The initiative sets a new benchmark for systemic collaboration, entrepreneurship education, and impact-driven innovation in Europe, positioning BECEE as a model for future-proof, resilient, and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.