Enhancing International Cooperation: A Week at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

8 April 2026, 9 pm

Strategic Communication for Global Education: Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Represents UAS Mittweida and STRATCOMM at Inholland University, Netherlands. 

From 23 to 27 March 2026, Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Founder President of the Indo-European Education Foundation, Professor for International Entrepreneurship & Economics, at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Germany; and an Adjunct at the Faculty of Philology at University of Opole participated in the International Staff Training Week at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.

He leads the international project titled “Strategic Communication for International Business and Sustainable Educational Development: Catalyzing Social and Economic Growth in Germany and Beyond (STRATCOMM)”, which focuses on strengthening international academic cooperation, enhancing communication strategies in global education, and supporting sustainable educational development across Europe and beyond.

The International Staff Training Week brought together over 35 participants from across Europe, the United States, and Canada, creating a vibrant platform for international exchange, strategic dialogue, and academic networking. Through his participation, Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar represented the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Germany, highlighting the role of strategic communication in strengthening international educational partnerships.

The programme began at the Rotterdam campus of Inholland University of Applied Sciences, where participants explored innovative approaches to internationalisation in higher education and discussed how universities are increasingly working with society rather than only for society. This collaborative model emphasizes partnerships between universities, industry, and communities to co-create solutions to contemporary global challenges.

One of the most engaging sessions took place at the Urban Leisure & Tourism Lab, where participants observed how students, researchers, and external partners collaborate on real-world projects. The lab showcased how applied research and interdisciplinary cooperation can produce practical solutions for modern urban and tourism-related challenges.

The programme also included a visit to Van Nelle Fabriek, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its pioneering industrial architecture. Today, the historic complex serves as a hub for creative industries and innovation, demonstrating how historical spaces can be successfully transformed into centres for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.

Another important component of the week focused on student-led projects within Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs). Initiatives such as “Urban Transformation” and “Changing Cities” highlighted how international and interdisciplinary teamwork enables students to develop innovative and forward-looking solutions for urban development.

A key highlight of the training week was the interactive design workshop “Towards an Impactful Collaboration”, where participants explored new opportunities for international partnerships and joint academic initiatives. Discussions centered on building long-term institutional cooperation, strengthening global research networks, and fostering sustainable collaboration between universities and international organizations.

Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar’s participation in this international programme underscores the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Germany to strengthening global academic networks and promoting intercultural dialogue. Through initiatives such as STRATCOMM, the Foundation, and the universities continue to support strategic communication, educational diplomacy, and collaborative innovation in higher education. The visit was funded by the Erasmus+  mobility.

The week concluded with renewed enthusiasm for future partnerships between European institutions and global academic networks, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in addressing social, economic, and educational challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.