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.
Across several thematic sessions, we will explore the topic from multiple perspectives:
1. Competitiveness of Regions
How can universities support regional development, innovation ecosystems, and Future Skills? How can universities or university alliances connect and foster regional engagement and cooperation?
Competitiveness and inclusion – (not) a contradiction? Which skills does the region expect from future students?
2. Sustainability
Learn about USTP's sustainability journey, its key priorities, and a selected project. Through interactive dialogue and collaborative reflection, participants will explore how universities can contribute to a sustainable and circular society.
3. Innovative Research and Education at the European Campus Hainburg
How can we build a new international research and education campus focused on future-oriented topics like green technologies, sustainable innovation and applied sciences?
4. Gender & Diversity
How can diversity be addressed in academic papers?
USTP annually honours scientific theses with a reference to the topics of gender & diversity, to showcase these issues. Three candidates per category (bachelor, master, E³UDRES²), pre-selected by an expert jury, present their final theses in 5-minute pitches. On this basis, the expert jury will select the final winners, who will be awarded after a keynote speech. Find more information on the awards here: Gender & Diversity Awards — USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten
5. From STEM to STEAM
Are the humanities and the arts (still) important for Future Skills? How can the humanities, AI and arts be integrated into future applied education? Soft skills versus hard skills: Which Future Skills do students need to be resilient?
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.
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.