RUN-ESEC: collaborative hub The Regional University Network – European University (RUN-EU) is a unique alliance of universities working together to drive sustainable social, economic, cultural, and environmental progress across their regions. RUN-EU combines education, research, innovation, and service to society, all while fostering European values such as inclusiveness and multiculturalism.RUN-EU exists to prepare students and regional communities for the future by equipping them with advanced skills and promoting active citizenship. It addresses major societal challenges like the digital and green transitions and strives to boost regional development and innovation across Europe.Within RUN-EU, the European Stakeholder Engagement Centre (ESEC) acts as a collaborative hub, connecting universities with business, industry, society, and regional governments. ESEC promotes joint initiatives in entrepreneurship, open science, innovation, and community engagement across all partner campuses. ESEC focuses on creating impactful collaborations between students, universities, and external stakeholders to foster entrepreneurship, STEAM education for youth, and service to society — all vital for driving social transformation and inclusion across RUN-EU’s regions.RUN-ESECRUN-EU Howest By fostering entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and creating social impact Entrepreneurship The RUN-EU Entrepreneurship programme fosters collaboration between students, businesses, industry, and societal partners. It focuses on entrepreneurship education, supporting emerging student entrepreneurs, and organising events such as festivals and networking opportunities. This helps young entrepreneurs develop their ideas, build businesses, and establish valuable connections across European regions. FILS - Future Innovation Labs FILS aims to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) activities, opportunities, and careers among young people aged 6 to 17 across all RUN-EU regions. The programme develops a network of physical learning spaces, such as makerspaces and innovation centres, where young innovators can explore and create. FILS also organises open science events (RUN-EU innovation day), competitions (Innothon), and training programmes (SAP) to make STEAM skills accessible to all. Read more RETOS - Ready to service RETOS promotes student engagement in addressing social challenges and volunteering within their regions. It integrates service-learning projects with academic study, including interdisciplinary collaborations and placements in underserved or rural areas. RETOS strengthens the link between education and societal impact by encouraging students to actively contribute to their communities. ESEC: transformative skills to enable everyone to make small and big changes in the world. The RUN-European Stakeholder Engagement Centre (ESEC) acts as a central hub within RUN-EU, fostering collaboration and driving forward key initiatives aimed at equipping young people with the skills and mindset needed for a sustainable and innovative future. This transformative skills enable everyone to make small and big changes in the world.ESEC brings together three complementary programmes that address critical dimensions of skill development aligned with the European Union’s Pact for Skills:FILS (Future Innovation Labs) focuses on enhancing STEM education among youth aged 6 to 17. By providing immersive, hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, FILS directly supports the Pact’s goal to increase STEM graduates, promote gender balance in STEM fields, and prepare learners for the green and digital transitions.Entrepreneurship within ESEC nurtures entrepreneurial thinking and skills, fostering resilience, creativity, and the ability to identify and seize opportunities. This programme supports the Pact’s drive to build entrepreneurial mindsets across all education levels, with a special focus on empowering young women and advancing social economy initiatives linked to the green transition.RETOS emphasizes social innovation and responsible problem-solving. Through this initiative, young people engage with real-world challenges, learning to apply design thinking and collaborative methods to foster social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. RETOS to promote inclusive growth, social cohesion, and the circular economy.Together, these pillars under ESEC create a holistic ecosystem that develops technical STEAM-competences, entrepreneurial capabilities, and transversal skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. By connecting educational programmes with regional and European stakeholders, ESEC strengthens RUN-EU’s mission to support lifelong learning, regional innovation, and international cooperation in addressing Europe’s most pressing societal challenges. Lies Vanhaelemeesch Project Leader RUN-EU at Howest Contact Katrijn Bulckens Future Innovation Labs Contact Vic Vansevenant Entrepreneurship Contact