International Week 2026 | Local Pulse, Global Waves

Universities Orchestrating Regional Innovation for a Competitive Europe

When: 23 – 27 November 2026
Where: On site at USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, Austria

In a time of rapid global change, universities play a crucial role in strengthening innovation at the regional, national, European and international levels. This year’s International Week invites universities from across Europe and beyond to explore how we can collectively strengthen our capacity to adapt, support our communities, and contribute to a more resilient European future.

The International Week offers a space for exchange, collaboration, and inspiration. Together, we aim to identify shared challenges, develop new ideas, discuss how to stay competitive, and strengthen the partnerships that help our institutions thrive.

Join us for the International Staff Mobility Week 2026! We will place a focus on how international partnerships impact the development of skills. Which skills are needed, and what role do universities play in facilitating the development of these skills? Which cooperations and partnerships foster the growth of these skills? 

Come to St. Pölten for an interactive and innovative exchange with HEIs and other stakeholders: Keynotes and panel discussions, interactive formats, and co-creation sessions offer you the possibility to get to know best practices from different fields, converse with experts from different sectors, and interact with peers from different countries and cultures.

The topics are:

1. Competitiveness of Regions

2. Gender & Diversity

3. Innovative Research and Education at the European Campus Hainburg

4. Sustainability

5. From STEM to STEAM

Furthermore, we are planning a ‘World Café’ on the first day of the International Week. Participants and representatives from different departments and service units will have the opportunity to engage in networking and to get to know each other.

Target Groups

The target audience includes key stakeholders who are responsible for strategic development, internationalisation, student support, regional and international partnerships, and innovative teaching and learning formats.
They actively help shape the future viability of their institutions and work to develop structures that make universities, students, and regions more resilient and competitive.