Skills and competences for the era of AI: Perspectives on higher education from universities of science and technology

Leuven, 10 November 2026

The over 50 leading universities of science and technology united within CESAER have today published an input note titled ‘Skills and competences for the era of AI: Perspectives on higher education from universities of science and technology’, calling for a research-based and responsible approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education. The input note is published in anticipation of the Council conclusions on skills and competences to engage with artificial intelligence (AI) and aims to contribute to wider European policy developments on AI in education.

• The full input note is available here for download and dissemination (PDF).

Drawing on case studies from CESAER Members and exchanges with university leaders and experts, the input note identifies six priorities for European and national action. It calls for developing AI literacy and discipline-specific competences, while safeguarding foundational knowledge, disciplinary expertise and independent judgement. It emphasises research-based experimentation and evidence of what actually improves learning. Realising Europe's ambitions in AI requires sustained investment in the universities that educate its future scientists, engineers and innovators, including in teaching capacity, staff time for curriculum and assessment development, support services and secure, equitable and responsibly governed AI infrastructure.

Petri Suomala, Co-Chair of CESAER Task Force European Higher Education and Vice President for Education and International Partnerships at Aalto University, said:

“Universities of science and technology are at the forefront of shaping how AI is used in teaching and learning, drawing on their strengths in frontier research and innovation. We are developing and testing new approaches across disciplines, with a clear focus on the knowledge, skills and competences that future graduates will need. Europe should build on this expertise and invest in secure, equitable and responsibly governed AI infrastructure as a strategic asset for higher education.”

Justyna Lubośna, Member of the CESAER Board of Directors, Co-Chair of CESAER Task Force European Higher Education and Rector’s Representative for International Educational Programs at Gdańsk University of Technology, said:

“Preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists means equipping them with the knowledge, skills and competences to shape a future increasingly influenced by AI, not simply adapt to it. Future engineers and scientists must develop strong disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking and independent judgement, alongside the ability to use AI tools effectively and responsibly. By sharing experiences and evidence across Europe, universities can learn from both successful approaches and those that have not delivered the desired outcomes. This is how we make progress together across Europe.”

CESAER stands ready to contribute the expertise and experience of universities of science and technology to European and national efforts to strengthen AI-related competences in higher education, including through sharing evidence, good practices and dialogue with policymakers.

For more information, please contact our Advisor for Benchmark & Higher Education Touko Närhi.