The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) hosted the Conference of the European Network of Innovative Higher Education Institutions (ENIHEI), a network of 38 higher education institutions across Europe, with outstanding performance in some area of the European innovation system.

Having been set up by the European Commission in 2022, ENIHEI members share ideas with the aim to mobilise the higher education sector through the implementation of the European Strategy for Universities and the New European Innovation Agenda.

The two-day General Assembly, held at the MCAST Resource Centre Auditorium on 23–24 October 2025, focused on the future role of the network in promoting an innovation culture within the framework of the European Innovation Agenda. A highlight of the Assembly was the setting up of a Steering Committee with Dr Tatjana Chircop representing MCAST at the helm, responsible for chairing the committee and the secretariat of the network. Over the month of October, the coordination role was passed on from the predecessors, the University of Salamanca, to MCAST, a prestigious step recognising the College’s growing role in innovation and European higher education.

MCAST Principal and CEO Mr Stephen Vella said:
“Since 2022, ENIHEI has united institutions across Europe with a shared vision: higher education must always look forward. This Assembly comes at an important moment, with challenging but exciting decisions ahead – a sign of a network that is maturing and ready to shape its own future.”

Dr Tatjana Chircop, who has led MCAST’s involvement in ENIHEI since its inception, added:
“Our commitment has always been to contribute actively, from research and branding to policy discussions. Hosting the Assembly and taking on the chairpersonship shows how far MCAST has come as a trusted European partner.”

The Assembly reaffirmed ENIHEI’s mission to act as a platform to exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences and develop collective innovative thinking on how higher education can drive innovation, nurture talent, and foster a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship.