Higher Education Informal Diplomacy: the case of the European Universities Initiative (EUI)

In a world of shifting geopolitics and increasing societal and economic challenges, higher education institutions (HEIs) have become critical actors in promoting economic, social, and educational relations among nations.

They also contribute to enhancing the global science-policy interface by providing knowledge and expertise during crises while pursuing Sustainable Development Goals.

Yet, we know surprisingly little re how higher education institutions combine political agency with knowledge production and thus act as autonomous agents of informal diplomacy.

A truly interdisciplinary project bringing theoretical, methodological and empirical innovations, HEIDI studies HEIs' nature and role as informal diplomatic actors.

Focusing on the European Universities Initiative (EUI), HEIDI: 1): defines the concept of higher education informal diplomacy; (2) maps the nature, governance, and policy practices of HEIs as informal diplomatic actors; 3) traces how HEIs are advancing informal diplomacy by looking at the role of stakeholders in this process.

HEIDI proposes a two-year fellowship at the School of Transnational Governance of the European University Institute in Florence. The expertise and facilities offered by the host and the supervisor (Prof.

Stone), together with my existing experience and talent, mutually reinforce my development as an independent researcher during the fellowship.

In addition, advanced training (e.g. statistics, grant writing, science communication) and two-way knowledge transfer will allow me to realize my long-term career goals after the fellowship.

A customized dissemination and communication plan ensures that the project and its results are known well beyond the academic community.Altogether, HEIDI bridges a major scientific gap and represents cutting-edge research in a vital field for the future of Europe in enhancing awareness of the importance of higher education to foster international cooperation and solve global challenges.