The SPHERE Study Visit “AI and Digital Transformation for Inclusive Universities: Policy, Practice, and Impact” was organized online, on 9-10 March, 2026 bringing together university leaders, academics, and policy experts to address the future of digital transformation.

The programme focused on how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, internationalisation, and institutional wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and equity. Through keynote presentations, institutional case studies, and interactive workshops, participants explored both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption in universities.

Discussions highlighted that while AI-driven technologies can expand access to education and personalise learning experiences, they also introduce risks related to ethics, inequality, and academic integrity. Participants stressed the importance of aligning digital transformation strategies with human-centred values and existing European and national policy frameworks.

The event attracted a diverse group of higher education professionals, including institutional leaders, teaching staff, digital learning specialists, and policy officers. Many attendees were engaged in strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening inclusive practices, improving student support, and advancing innovation in increasingly international academic environments.

Key outcomes of the study visit included a deeper understanding of how AI can support equitable teaching and learning, as well as insights into governance, quality assurance, and ethical considerations. Participants also shared examples of institutional practices that bridge policy and implementation.

By the end of the visit, attendees reported gaining practical knowledge to inform decision-making and strategy development within their own institutions. The exchange of experiences and peer learning were highlighted as essential in shaping responsible and sustainable approaches to digital transformation.

The study visit underscored the growing importance of collaborative, evidence-based approaches to integrating AI in higher education—ensuring that technological progress enhances inclusion, academic integrity, and overall institutional wellbeing.

More on the Study visit in the Report

A training workshop titled “Erasmus+ Intensive Cooperation between High Schools and Universities” was held at the University of Banja Luka on 17 February 2026, bringing together participants from vocational education and training (VET) schools and university staff.

The main objective of the workshop was to present Erasmus+ opportunities available to participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fields of higher education and vocational education and training. Participants were introduced to key Erasmus+ actions, including capacity building in VET, cooperation partnerships, centres of vocational excellence, and innovation alliances.

The event opened with an address by Prof. Kristina Pantelić-Babić, Vice-Rector for Interuniversity and International Cooperation, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration through the Erasmus+ programme. The workshop continued with a comprehensive overview of Erasmus+ objectives and priorities, as well as examples of successful project implementation.

Practical guidance formed a central part of the training, with detailed explanations of the application process, including opening an EU account, obtaining a PIC number, partner search strategies, lump sum budget planning, and navigating the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. Participants were encouraged to consult the Erasmus+ Programme Guide and official call documentation when preparing project proposals.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion session, enabling participants to exchange experiences, clarify questions, and explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and vocational schools.

The University of Banja Luka, in cooperation with the Erasmus+ Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is organizing an Erasmus+ workshop aimed at strengthening cooperation between secondary schools and higher education institutions within the Erasmus+ programme.

Date and Venue

• Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
• Time: 12:00h
• Venue: Room 204, Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Banja Luka
• Address: Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovića 1A, 78000 Banja Luka

About the Workshop

The workshop is intended for representatives of secondary schools interested in participating in the Erasmus+ programme.
During the workshop, participants will receive information on:

• opportunities for secondary schools within the Erasmus+ programme,
• the procedure for registering an institution on the European Commission portal (a mandatory requirement for participation in EC projects),
• finding high-quality project partners,
• preparing and managing project budgets in Erasmus+ projects.

The workshop aims to provide practical guidance and support to schools in becoming actively involved in international projects.

We kindly ask all interested participants to confirm their attendance by completing the registration form available at the LINK.

Workshop Agenda

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Poziv na Erasmus+ radionicu o saradnji srednjih škola i fakulteta kroz Erasmus+ Program

Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci, u saradnji sa Erasmus+ kancelarijom u Bosni i Hercegovini, organizuje Erasmus+ radionicu s ciljem intenziviranja saradnje između srednjih škola i fakulteta kroz Erasmus+ program.

Vrijeme i mjesto održavanja

• Datum: utorak, 17. februar 2026. godine
• Vrijeme: 12.00 časova
• Lokacija: Učionica 204, Fakultet političkih nauka Univerziteta u Banjoj Luci
• Adresa: Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovića 1A, 78000 Banja Luka

Radionica je namijenjena predstavnicima srednjih škola zainteresovanim za učešće u Erasmus+ programu.
Tokom radionice učesnici će dobiti informacije o:

• mogućnostima učešća srednjih škola u Erasmus+ programu,
• postupku registracije institucije na portalu Evropske komisije (obavezni preduslov za učešće u projektima),
• pronalaženju kvalitetnih projektnih partnera,
• pripremi i realizaciji budžeta u Erasmus+ projektima.

Radionica ima za cilj da kroz praktične smjernice i primjere osnaži škole za aktivno uključivanje u međunarodne projekte.

Molimo sve zainteresovane da svoje učešće potvrde putem formulara dostupnog ovdje.

Agenda radionice

The training workshop “Erasmus+ Opportunities in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and School Education – How to Participate in Erasmus+ Projects” was held on 4 February 2026 in Široki Brijeg.

The event was organized by the National Erasmus+ Office (NEO) in cooperation with the Office for European Integration of the Government of West Herzegovina Canton. It gathered 59 participants, including school principals, teachers, professors, and representatives of relevant institutions, most of whom had limited prior experience with the Erasmus+ programme.

The workshop focused on Erasmus+ opportunities available to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fields of VET and school education, including Capacity Building in VET, Cooperation Partnerships, Centres of Vocational Excellence, and Alliances for Innovation. Participants received practical guidance on how to get involved in Erasmus+ projects, including information on EU Login registration, PIC registration, application procedures, partner search, and project management through relevant EU platforms.

Through interactive discussions and practical examples, the workshop provided participants with essential knowledge and tools to actively engage in Erasmus+ initiatives and strengthen international cooperation in education.