The SPEEDUP Project participated in the national workshop titled “The Role of Universities in Enhancing Community Engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa”, held on 26 November 2025 in Amman, Jordan, with the participation of 35 attendees.
The workshop was organized within the framework of the EU- Erasmus + funded MED-UP Project, in cooperation with Jordan University of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Higher Education Accreditation Commission. It brought together academics, policymakers, and project teams to discuss how universities can strengthen their engagement with society, promote innovation, and contribute to sustainable development.
These objectives strongly align with the mission of the SPEEDUP Project, which focuses on fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises across the Mediterranean region.
The SPEEDUP project team from Jordan, represented by Al-Balqa Applied University, actively contributed to the workshop. During the discussions, Professor Rabhi Damseh emphasized the vital role of universities in linking academic research with community needs and economic development. He also highlighted the importance of cross-regional collaboration and knowledge exchange in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.
Participation in this workshop reflects the commitment of the SPEEDUP Project to building strong partnerships between higher education institutions, innovation ecosystems, and local communities, reinforcing the shared vision of EU-funded initiatives in advancing impact-driven development across the Mediterranean region.
Prof. Rebhi A. Damseh and Eng. Ayat Rasme
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