The theme of the conference was “Student and Researcher Citizenship: tactics to shape a strategic future”, exploring a range of projects and ideas that demonstrate how the work of students and researchers can contribute to strategic planning in cities, as well as delivering cultural and creative projects that leave a lasting legacy and tangible benefits for residents of the city.

The programme set out three approaches to city-university collaboration which are all equally important in maximising the benefits of city-university collaboration in university cities.

• Top – down collaboration focuses on the relationships at a strategic level, ensuring that the city council and the university fully embrace the potential for close cooperation.
• Bottom – up collaboration focuses on the power of participatory democracy in shaping policy for the city by involving students, as well as permanent residents of cities.
• Co-creation – Co-participation focuses more on civic engagement and innovation through shared city-university projects and structured activities that help to shape city life.

During the programme, delegates shared examples of these different types of engagement. One session was dedicated to hearing from the Network’s City Mayors and University Rectors about the keys to success – and the future challenges – for strategic collaboration.

A further dedicated session gave students from Bolzano, Lausanne and Magdeburg the opportunity to express their views on topics like housing, city services, and staying on in their cities after graduation to start their careers.

A strong theme throughout the meeting was the specific contribution of students and researchers in their work to interpret the recent history (dissonant heritage) of the city of Bolzano, having been impacted by fascist rule at different times during the last century.

The venue for the second day was the impressive NOI Techpark, and the University’s Faculty of Engineering. Delegates were given a guided tour and were able to see innovative research projects and business start-ups covering the four technology areas of Green; Food and Health; Digital; and Automotive and Automation. It provided the perfect inspiration to consider how university cities have such a critical role in driving growth – at a city, regional, national and international level.

The outputs from the meeting will include videos; a continuing dialogue with students; and the basis of a second EUniverCities Network handbook with more examples of successful approaches to city-university collaboration that will demonstrate how investment in these relationships at every level is vital to help shape the future of European cities.