Call for abstract - head’26 Conference
On 15 June 2026, within the framework of the HEAd’26 Conference, the international workshop “Universities Driving Social Innovation: Empowerment and Youth Leadership in Territorial Ecosystems” will take place, focusing on the evolving role of universities in fostering social innovation, youth empowerment, and territorial development.
The workshop aims to explore how tertiary education systems can rethink governance models, organisational structures, and training strategies by placing youth empowerment and leadership development at the centre of their social innovation efforts. Special attention will be given to participatory governance, inclusive educational practices, sustainable digitalisation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies – including artificial intelligence – to support agency, inclusion, and democratic participation.
Adopting an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspective, the workshop welcomes theoretical and empirical contributions addressing topics such as university–society collaboration models, curriculum innovation for civic engagement, eco-friendly and equitable digital education, and evaluation frameworks for assessing the impact of university initiatives on youth empowerment and social innovation.
The event will also serve as a platform to strengthen international research networks and promote dialogue among researchers, educators, professionals, and decision-makers committed to reimagining the social role of higher education.
The contributions accepted will be published as Special Issue with DOI in the Academic Journal Quaderni di Comunità. Persone, Educazione e Welfare nella società 5.0.
Important dates
- Submission deadline: 1 April 2026
- Acceptance notification: 20 April 2026
Workshops: 15 June 2026
- Leading conference: 16-18 June 2026
- Abstract Template for submission (click HERE)
- For Submission fill the form at the following link: https://forms.gle/AKb2KtWqwjRk8YwR8
For more information: redazione.quadernicomunita@unilink.it and in copy to: mc.deangelis@unilink.it ; s.capogna@unilink.it
