ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab)

BACKGROUND

We believe higher education academics and senior administrators are in a unique position to transform and modernise their higher education institutions by introducing tech-savvy, inclusive and sustainable policies that positively impact students, staff and the organisation itself.

Since 2021, ASEF has organised five editions of ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab). It had its first onsite event in October 2023 which was held in conjunction with the Shanghai Forum. With the conclusion of its fifth and latest edition, over 350 academics, researchers and university managers from 45 Asian and European participated in the InnoLab’s editions. This initiative remains highly-rated by its alumni, with 99% of them saying they would recommend ASEFInnoLab to colleagues for its vast opportunities for intellectual exchanges, peer learning, and intercultural output co-creation.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Expand Knowledge
Participants expand their understanding of universities’ role in an ecosystem increasingly driven by AI, with key focus on pressing issues and key areas of learning such as education, governance, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and skills development for an AI-powered future.

Build Peer-to-Peer Networks
Through the interactive sessions that facilitate exchange of knowledge and good practices, the project series enables the creation and strengthening of P2P networks. Participants are invited to join the Asia-Europe For AI (AE4AI) Network after the project concludes to keep the connectivity and encourage spin-offs of innovative ideas on how to improve strategies and practices in their institutions.

Develop Concrete Outputs
Practitioners, academics, and managers participating in an ASEFInnoLab edition work together to co-create tangible outputs such as action plans, innovation plans, or position papers that promote sustainable collaboration in AI teaching, research, innovation, and dialogue in Asia and Europe.

CURRENT EDITION

6th ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory: Universities’ Role in AI Skills Development for the Future

Partners: Fudan University in People’s Republic of China; De La Salle University in the Philippines; Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Slovakia
Online Phase: May – July 2025
Onsite Events: 13-17 October 2025 (Shanghai, People’s Republic of China), 03-07 November 2025 (Manila, the Philippines), and 01-05 December 2025 (Košice, Slovakia)

PAST EDITIONS

Since ASEFInnoLab was established in 2021, 250+ higher education managers, scholars, and experts have participated in the programme in various capacities. Learn more about the previous editions here:

5th  ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory on Universities’ Role in AI Innovation Ecosystems

Partners: Fudan University (Shanghai, People’s Republic of China)
02 May – 24 October 2024 , Online and in Shanghai, China

4th ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory on Advancing Teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills and Entrepreneurship

Partners: Fudan University (Shanghai, People’s Republic of China)
23 October – 28 October 2023, Shanghai, China

3rd ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory on Advancing Teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills and Entrepreneurship

Partners: Fudan University (Shanghai, People’s Republic of China); RTU Riga Business School (Riga, Latvia)
28 June – 26 July 2023, Online

2nd ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory on Universities’ Role in AI Innovation Ecosystems

Partners: Fudan University (Shanghai, People’s Republic of China); RTU Riga Business School (Riga, Latvia); Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
04 November – 09 December 2021, Online

1st ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory on AI Innovation Ecosystems

Partners: Fudan University (Shanghai, People’s Republic of China); Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
25 March – 13 May 2021, Online

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