From idea to funding: how to secure EU support for AI in Higher Education
How can higher education institutions harness the power of AI while navigating the complex landscape of European funding?
This question was at the heart of an engaging session led by Professor Na Fu, Chair of Responsible Leadership at Trinity College Dublin and and coordinator of TechConnect initiative, during the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) held at EM Normandie Business School’s Paris-Clichy campus on 19 June 2025.
With AI rapidly transforming the educational sector, the session, titled “From Idea to Funding: How to Secure EU Support for AI in Higher Education,” drew in a diverse group of around 40 academics, researchers, and industry experts eager to explore sustainable strategies for integrating AI into higher education.
Building bridges across borders
Professor Na shared how the project explores the ongoing debate regarding the influence of emerging technologies on human labor and skills. Our main goal is to deepen our understanding of the dynamic interplays between new digital technologies and human skills, generating novel and practical knowledge on this emerging topic of Human-Tech Skill Complementarity.
"This programme provided an excellent platform for exchanging ideas on how we can meaningfully and responsibly integrate AI into higher education. It was a privilege to share the TechConnect journey with such an inspiring group of colleagues."
A platform for exchange and inspiration
The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme is designed for academic, administrative and strategic decision-makers in higher education, the event addressed the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the sector.
Through expert-led presentations, collaborative sessions and peer exchange, attendees explored key themes such as institutional AI strategies, AI-enhanced curricula, its role in teaching, research and administration, and how to equip students with digital-age skills.
The outcomes of the programme will support the development of a shared charter for responsible and strategic AI adoption across European higher education institutions.
Collaborations like this, help build bridges between European institutions, promoting collaborative approaches to the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
Notes by Matt Offord, CMBE at University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School