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.

Sarajevo, 22 January 2026 – The training workshop “Erasmus+ Opportunities in the Field of Higher Education – How to Develop a Competitive Erasmus+ Project Proposal” was held at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), organized by the National Erasmus+ Office (NEO) in cooperation with IUS.

The workshop focused on Erasmus+ opportunities available to higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with particular emphasis on Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM). Other actions presented included International Credit Mobility (ICM) and Jean Monnet.

Through an interactive approach, participants received practical guidance on preparing competitive project proposals, including defining objectives, structuring work packages, planning deliverables, and preparing project budgets.

The event gathered university staff members interested in participating in Erasmus+ projects as coordinators or partners, further strengthening institutional capacities for international cooperation.

On 16 December 2025, SPHERE  Virtual Study visit brought together academic and administrative staff, university leadership, students, and stakeholders to explore how higher education can advance teaching and learning for sustainable development. The event offered an in-depth institutional case study of a regional public university in Spain, highlighting how sustainability was embedded across strategy, pedagogy, research, and international cooperation.

The programme presented how a regional university positioned sustainable development as a core mission linked to regional growth and community engagement. Participants gained insights into institutional strategies, research-led approaches, and innovative pedagogical practices that supported the development of sustainability competencies among students and staff.

A strong focus was placed on international cooperation, showcasing collaborative models such as European university alliances, internship programmes, and service-learning initiatives that connected teaching, research, and society. Dedicated sessions also highlighted student perspectives, illustrating how learners actively contributed to sustainability initiatives and benefited from international collaboration.

The study visit further examined staff development approaches and current European trends in teaching and learning for sustainable development, offering participants a broader policy and practice context. Interactive elements, including live discussions, chat engagement, and Q&A sessions, were integrated throughout the programme to encourage active participation and shared reflection.

Overall, the virtual event provided a comprehensive and practice-oriented exploration of how universities can create supportive environments for acquiring the competencies needed to address sustainability challenges, while reinforcing their role as key actors in regional and international development.

For more information on SPHERE activities please visit SPHERE Community website.

On 17 December 2025, the HERE Networking Meeting brought together Higher Education Reform Experts (HEREs) and National Erasmus+ Offices (NEOs) to connect, exchange experiences, and strengthen collaboration across countries. The meeting focused on impact, exploring how HERE activities translated into tangible change and how results, stories, and lessons learned could be communicated more effectively.

The programme combined short presentations, interactive polls, group discussions, and exchanges designed to make full use of the collective experience within the HERE community. The opening session set the scene by outlining the meeting’s objectives and reflecting on key impact moments from recent years.

Discussions then centred on making HERE work more visible, with a particular emphasis on communication strategies, practical tools, and lessons learned. Participants actively contributed ideas on how to improve visibility and reach wider audiences in the future.

A core part of the meeting was dedicated to impact stories, where examples of successful national and regional initiatives were shared and discussed. These sessions encouraged reflection on what made certain initiatives effective and how impact could be better understood and sustained.

The meeting concluded with an overview of upcoming activities and priorities, followed by a collective reflection on next steps. Overall, the event reinforced the value of peer exchange and collaboration, while setting a shared direction for strengthening impact and communication within the HERE community.

For more information on SPHERE activities please visit SPHERE Community website.

An Erasmus+ info session was held in East Sarajevo on 26 November 2025, organized by the National Erasmus+ Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with the Youth Council of Republika Srpska and the City Development Agency of East Sarajevo. The session aimed to present Erasmus+ opportunities available to BiH in the fields of youth and higher education, and to guide participants through the application and evaluation process.

The event gathered 26 participants, including youth, school representatives, and higher-education staff from the East Sarajevo region. Opening remarks were delivered by Teodor Majmunović (Youth Council of RS), Fermín Cordoba (EU Delegation in BiH), and Suad Muhibić (NEO).

The NEO team presented Erasmus+ actions open to BiH, focusing on KA1 youth mobilities and KA2 capacity-building projects, as well as higher-education actions such as ICM and CBHE. Participants received practical guidance on applying and were encouraged to consult the Erasmus+ Programme Guide.

The session concluded successfully, supported by positive participant feedback.