September 2024 Newsletter

Your monthly collection of news, events, and resources in entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education

2024 ACEEU Asia-Pacific, Europe-Africa Forum and Triple E Awards

Honoring Pioneers and Leaders in Higher Education!!

Crossing borders and creating bridges, the 2024 Asia-Pacific and Europe-Africa ACEEU Forums brought together Triple E Awards finalists, ACEEU-accredited institutions, and exceptional leaders to exchange best practices and cutting-edge knowledge in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community engagement. 

At the Asia-Pacific Forum, we celebrated 10 winners and 7 Special Recognition Awards, with over 100 participants from 50+ institutions across 15+ countries. Hosted by Management and Science University, the event beautifully wove in local culture, featuring traditional dances, cuisine, and national symbols, all while focusing on sustainable futures through new technologies and social impact. 

The Europe-Africa Forum, in its third edition, honored 11 winners, including a special recognition for the "Ukrainian Community Engagement Initiative of the Year", with over 125 participants from 60+ institutions and 20+ countries. This gathering was hosted by Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA) and Nova School of Business & Economics, in Lisbon. Accompanied by vibrant evenings filled with music and dancing, it fostered insightful conversations and a shared commitment to a more impactful future for higher education. 

A special thank you to our hosts, speakers, finalists, and project partners. We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Forum and Triple E Awards! 

ACEEU Spotlight Magazine

The September Spotlight Article Is Here! 

Destiny and Ambition

This month, Shqiprim Ahmeti highlights the remarkable leadership of Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi and his pivotal role in Kosovo’s post-conflict reconstruction. In 2001, Professor Hajrizi founded the University for Business and Technology (UBT), advancing technology and entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans. UBT now generates over 1,000 jobs annually through its alumni, accelerator, and spin-offs. The extraordinary growth of UBT underscores the power of innovative leadership. Don’t miss this inspiring story of impact and vision.  

ACEEU Accreditation

ACEEU Community

Celebrating Newly Accredited Leaders in Higher Education  

At ACEEU, we are dedicated to recognise Third Mission as a main element of university strategies, driving organisational growth and transformation. This year, we proudly celebrate four institutions for their leadership towards excellence in entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education. 

The Entrepreneurial University Accreditation has been awarded to La Salle Universitat Ramon Llull (Spain), the first university in Catalonia to receive this honor. Also, Gdańsk University of Technology (Poland) was recognised as the first technical university in the country to be accredited, building on their 2023 Engaged University status. 

The Engaged University Accreditation goes to Central University of Technology (South Africa), the first in Africa to be recognised, and University of Szeged (Hungary), the first Hungarian university to receive this distinction. Both have made social impact a central mission, driving meaningful change in their communities. 

To learn more about ACEEU’s accredited institutions, click here 

Meet the ACEEU Team

Chair of the Council at ACEEU

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Kliewe

As Chair of ACEEU and Professor for Innovation Management and Business Development at Münster University of Applied Sciences, I am honored to lead both the ACEEU Council and Office. My dual roles in academia and practice allow me to bring the latest knowledge and insights to ACEEU, ensuring our vision for impact is realised in two keyways.

First, by developing and empowering our ACEEU team to become true agents of change. Second, by fostering impactful collaborations through projects and accreditations, our partner institutions benefit from the most relevant and cutting-edge knowledge and expertise. I am deeply passionate about enhancing the impact of higher education by developing strategies, tools, resources, and connections that strengthen the Third Mission of universities, particularly through entrepreneurship and community engagement, driving meaningful change in institutions and communities worldwide. 

Learn more and stay in touch