Case studies June 17, 2025 | 1 minute read

Reimagining universities: Good practices from the 2025 UIIN Conference

UIIN

With a focus on Reimagining Universities for Talent, Innovation and Impact, the 2025 UIIN Conference’s Good Practice Case Studies collection showcases forward-thinking approaches to university-industry engagement, entrepreneurial development, and collaborative innovation from around the world.

This year’s collection includes standout cases such as the University of Coimbra’s Académica Start UC programme, empowering student entrepreneurs through community-driven innovation; the National Physical Laboratory’s strategic regional partnerships across the UK, demonstrating how place-based engagement can transform research infrastructure and talent development; and the University of Strathclyde’s leadership in building a regional space cluster, bridging academia, government, and industry in Scotland’s growing space sector.

From mentoring academic entrepreneurs at the University of Calgary to reimagining internship models at James Madison University, these cases reflect the creativity, adaptability and strategic thinking that underpin impactful partnerships. Together, they illustrate how institutions are evolving to meet societal and economic needs while cultivating talent and driving change.

We thank all contributing authors and reviewers for their dedication to sharing practices that inspire and enable progress within our global community.