Can impact be measured in numbers alone? What does sustainability look like beyond deliverables and deadlines? And in a world of endless online meetings, what changes when we meet face to face?
These questions – and many more – floated in the air at the University of Limerick, where nearly 70 higher education professionals from across Europe gathered for an unforgettable Open Space, shared ideas and explored the impact/future of the Erasmus+ KA2 initiatives.
From strategy to systemic change
Panel discussion at the EUF Open Space
A powerful panel kicked off the discussion on the impact of KA2 projects – not as a buzzword, but as a lived reality.
Mark Empey (Irish National Agency) emphasised that Erasmus+ is about more than mobility – it’s about transformation, from twin transition to solidarity with Ukraine and beyond. His call for clarity, consistency and stability in KA2 calls from the European Commission resonated with the participants as did his tip for the project applicants:
“Clear, simple proposals with strong ideas are what succeed.”
Marlene Kohllechner-Autto (Lapland University of Applied Sciences) stressed the importance of designing projects with impact in mind from day one, encouraging applicants to think across multiple levels – from institutional to personal. Her key message? Impact doesn’t just happen; it is planned, layered, and integrated. Klaas Portier (Ghent University) brought another crucial aspect, pointing to the persistent confusion around Erasmus+ KA2 among the academic staff. Possible solution? Impact literacy, backed by structural change – a process currently being piloted at Ghent University.
When ideas spark action
The event also showcased tangible and already available results from nearly ten KA1/KA2 projects. The projects that were represented included tools and strategies to improve student housing (HOME2), solutions for bridging the digital divide in schools and assessing the use of AI in education (AI@MEDIATORS) as well as exemplified the journey of Erasmus Mundus (European Master in Marine Environment 2030 MER2030). Each project served as a reminder that real-world relevance and impact are not just goals we write in the application forms and final reports – they are achievable outcomes and concrete results making a difference in the medium and long term.
The interactive change-maker sessions took it even further. Over 15 emerging ideas were explored – from simplifying Erasmus+ guidance for staff, tackling dis/mis information to enhancing internationalisation at home and fostering industry collaboration. Participants pitched, refined ideas, and voted on (potentially) the most impactful and relevant topics to explore further.
AI and ethics: a new chapter?
One of the closing sessions tackled the growing presence of AI in KA2 projects. Where can it truly support the project lifecycle? Where must ethical boundaries be drawn? Participants discussed the potential of AI, focusing on its purposeful, mindful and ethical use. The majority of participants identified themselves as strategic users – turning to AI only for specific tasks. When it comes to using these tools to develop their Erasmus+ project proposals, more than half had not used them at all.
The power of being there – Limerick, you surprised us!
But perhaps the true magic of this Open Space was not written into the agenda.
It was the handshake after a thought-provoking discussion. The moment of sharing experience between colleagues facing similar challenges in different corners of Europe. The spontaneous “let’s talk” that might just lead to the next great project and/or new collaboration avenues.
There was music. There was storytelling. There were sports (hurling and not only). There was an unforgettable medieval dinner night. Above all, there was a genuine connection.
And none of it would have been possible without the generous, creative, and outstanding hosts at the University of Limerick, who turned a professional gathering into a truly memorable experience full of warmth and surprises.
Participants during the campus tour at the University of Limerick
Pictures by Arthur Ellis