Gliwice Gems: Key Takeaways from the European Convention of Engineering Deans 2026

The European Convention of Engineering Deans (ECED) 2026, was hosted by the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland, on 25-26 May 2026. It brought together engineering deans, academic leaders, industry representatives and policy stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the future of engineering education under the theme “Engineering the Circular Transition: Digital, Sustainable & Human-Centric Futures”.

The Deans Convention forms part of a long-standing SEFI initiative designed to provide a dedicated forum for engineering deans to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges, identify solutions and strengthen professional networks across Europe. Since the first Convention in 2005, ECED has offered a unique space for strategic dialogue on the future of engineering education and leadership.

A tradition of the Convention is to capture the most significant messages emerging from the discussions in a concise key takeaways document. This year’s edition, entitled Gliwice Gems, reflects the collective insights shared throughout the event.

The document highlights several themes that resonated across the Convention, including the different timescales within which universities, industry and governments operate, the growing need for adaptability and lifelong learning, and the importance of investing in people as a foundation for institutional resilience and innovation.

Participants also emphasised the value of strong partnerships, greater mobility between academia and industry, and the role of universities as connectors within regional, European and global networks. Discussions further explored how engineering education can remain human-centred in an increasingly digital and AI-enabled world, while supporting the development of critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgement and collaboration.

Another recurring theme was the importance of creating space for strategic leadership and reflection amidst growing operational demands. The Convention highlighted the value of bringing academic leaders together to reflect on emerging trends and shared challenges facing engineering education.

Taken together, the Gliwice Gems offer a snapshot of the conversations shaping the future of engineering education in Europe. They underline the need for engineering schools to embrace continuous change, strengthen collaboration and keep people at the centre of technological transformation.

Download the Gliwice Gems: Key Takeaways from the European Convention of Engineering Deans 2026.

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