On January 20, 2026, the “HEInnovate” team met in collaboration with the Research Dean's Office and the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) of Mersin University (MEÜ). “HEInnovate” is described as an initiative of the European Commission and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The event, held in the meeting room of the Advanced Technology Education Research and Application Center (MEİTAM), was chaired by the Research Dean, Prof. Dr. Caner Özdemir, and attended by the Research Dean's Office Technical Coordinator, Lecturer Dr. Aynur Gürbüz, the TTO Coordinator Abdi Kurt, and team members.

Research Dean Prof. Dr. Caner Özdemir stated that HEInnovate is important for our university, which is why the team came together. TTO Coordinator Abdi Kurt noted that this project forms the focus of universities across Europe, and therefore HEInnovate also forms the infrastructure for innovation and entrepreneurship, given that universities conduct research projects.

“HEInnovate is based on institutional self-assessment”

The HEInnovate initiative was presented by Lecturer Dr. Aynur Gürbüz. Lecturer Dr. Gürbüz stated that HEInnovate is an interface that shows where universities stand. Aynur Gürbüz stated, “HEInnovate is a free, online self-assessment tool developed by the European Commission and the OECD to help universities and higher education institutions assess and improve their entrepreneurial and innovative capacities. This tool is based on institutional self-assessment, supports strategic planning and institutional transformation, and identifies evidence-based areas for improvement. It encompasses eight areas: Leadership and Governance, Institutional Capacity: Funding, Human Resources and Incentives, Entrepreneurial Learning and Training, Entrepreneurial Development and Support, Digital Transformation and Digital Capacities, Information Exchange and Cooperation, and Impact Measurement and Monitoring.”

Providing information on how HEInnovate supports institutional change, Lecturer Dr. Aynur Gürbüz defined the steps as follows: discovery (step zero), thinking (step one), participation (step two), planning (step three), and taking action (step four). She explained that the thinking step involves a clear, evidence-based overview of the institution's strengths and areas for improvement. Gürbüz stated that the participation step fosters a shared understanding and ensures that everyone has a say in shaping the path to progress. Lecturer Dr. Gürbüz said, “Based on steps 1 and 2, you can begin preparing a concrete and strategic plan. Identify which dimensions of innovation and entrepreneurship require the most attention. Use HEInnovate’s resources as practical guides to design actions and shape interventions. Define clear goals and indicators to track progress over time. Assign responsibilities and involve both leadership and staff to ensure momentum and accountability. In the ‘Take Action’ step, launch pilot projects, programs, and organizational reforms that promote entrepreneurship. Provide training, resources, and support to staff and students to sustain change. Use your KPIs to monitor progress and improve actions as needed.”