Barcelona, 3 July 2025 – Representatives from universities across Catalonia convened at StartUB! for a full-day workshop co-organised with HEInnovate. The session brought together members of the Catalan University Entrepreneurship Network (XEU), a collaborative platform of higher education institutions promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, to co-develop a two-year action plan for the network. 

With the support of the HEInnovate expert team, participants engaged in strategic reflection, peer learning and joint planning to strengthen the network’s role as a driver of entrepreneurial change in the region. 

The day started with an introduction to the HEInnovate self-assessment tool and its eight dimensions. Participating universities had completed the tool in advance, allowing for a collective review of the network’s current entrepreneurial profile. 

The workshop featured: 

✅A group discussion on what it means to be an entrepreneurial university in Catalonia 
✅A SWOT analysis of the XEU’s current capacity and structure 
✅A co-creation session to define strategic priorities and shared objectives 
✅Hands-on work with HEInnovate Action Cards to draft a two-year roadmap 

Participants identified 16 strategic objectives, including building territorial alliances, promoting joint spin-off support, increasing student engagement, and strengthening alumni networks. These were clustered into six work packages and translated into a draft action plan, with clearly assigned responsibilities and a shared timeline for delivery. 

A Renewed Vision for XEU 

The workshop marked a turning point for the XEU: 

“This session helped us shift from sporadic collaboration to a shared ecosystem vision.” – Workshop participant 

Through this facilitated exchange, institutions uncovered synergies and committed to stronger joint action. The outcome is a revitalised network with a clearer identity, renewed energy, and practical next steps to drive entrepreneurial transformation. 

Next Steps 

In the coming months, the XEU will finalise its action plan, supported by the tools and methodologies offered by HEInnovate. The process sets a replicable model for other regional university networks aiming to build cohesion and capacity in entrepreneurship and innovation. 

📸 Explore snapshots from the day and stay connected using #BeAnHEInnovator