Higher Learning Exchange

Higher Learning Exchange

We bring stories of innovation in education to advance student centered learning, lifelong learning, employability, digital solutions. Higher Learning Exchange (HLeX) podcast brings perspectives and voices across the ecosystem of higher education. Leaders in education institutions, students, private sector edtech (solution) providers, educational researchers, and online learning experts are all part of these solutions. Please visit us on www.hlexpodcast.com and subscribe https://www.hlexpodcast.com/subscribe.

  1. S3 I E2 The EIT Edtech Conference (Second Edition, Brussels) 2025

    4D AGO

    S3 I E2 The EIT Edtech Conference (Second Edition, Brussels) 2025

    Billions have been invested in EdTech across Europe… so why are so many innovations ending up in what insiders call “graveyards of innovation”? 🎙️ In this latest episode of Higher Learning Exchange, recorded at the EIT EdTech Conference 2025 in Brussels, we unpack what’s really going wrong—and what needs to change. Here’s what I learnt about talking to six speakers 👇 Beth Havinga, Managing Director of the European Edtech Alliance [1:28] 💡 Innovation fails when it’s built without teachers and students in mind Emma Linsenmayer, Analyst, PISA [4:20] 🧑‍🏫 Technologies are only as good as the design and purposeful use in class   → The rise of AI in assessment and digital learning (OECD / PISA insights) Dana Redford, EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative [10:33]→ The scale of Europe’s Deep Tech Talent Initiative (1.3M+ learners trained) Tobias Himmerich, CEO of Eduvation [15:34]🤝 Europe still struggles with fragmented markets—there’s no “one-size-fits-all” scaling strategy📉 EdTech growth isn’t exponential—it’s slow, steady, and requires patience Marta Lorusso, Digital Education Specialist, Girls Go STEM [22:46] → How initiatives like Girls Go STEM are reaching 70,000+ students across 35+ countries🧑‍🏫 Teachers are the gateway to adoption—not just end users Sharon Flynn, University of Galway [27:54] 🎓 Students need to be co-creators, not an afterthought🔐 Trust between universities and EdTech providers is fragile—and often lost over time The biggest takeaway?👉 EdTech success isn’t about better technology—it’s about purposeful design, better collaboration, clearer ownership, and long-term thinking. If you’re working in education, innovation, or policy—this episode is packed with honest insights from across the ecosystem. For more information visit: www.hlexpodcast.com

    37 min
  2. S2 I E6 Student-Led Transformation: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs with Pau Martinez & Claudia Herrero [in Spanish]

    07/24/2025

    S2 I E6 Student-Led Transformation: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs with Pau Martinez & Claudia Herrero [in Spanish]

    What happens when students take education into their own hands? At the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Pau Martinez and Claudia Herrero have set out to answer that question with SparkEd, a remarkable initiative driven by the power of student leadership and entrepreneurship. Frustrated by the gap between theory and practice, Pau and Claudia created SparkEd—a vibrant community where students actively shape their learning journey through hands-on experiences, workshops, and collaboration. In just 18 months, SparkEd has already empowered over 400 students by: ·       Facilitating masterclasses with industry experts ·       Connecting students with local companies for real-world projects and visits ·       Launching their own podcast to share inspiring stories ·       Creating peer-to-peer learning spaces ·       Planning immersive bootcamps to further expand their impact Their mission? To equip students with the entrepreneurial mindset, confidence, and skills they need to thrive in the future workforce. 💡 SparkEd is proof that student-led innovation can reshape education and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about their inspiring journey and discover how empowering students can ignite meaningful change! This episode is in Spanish. #Entrepreneurship #StudentLeadership #Innovation #HigherEducation #FutureOfWork #SparkEd Credits:  Presenters: Carmen Tomas, Pablo Martinez, Claudia Herrero  Music: Uplifting intro music by Joshua Wales

    28 min

About

We bring stories of innovation in education to advance student centered learning, lifelong learning, employability, digital solutions. Higher Learning Exchange (HLeX) podcast brings perspectives and voices across the ecosystem of higher education. Leaders in education institutions, students, private sector edtech (solution) providers, educational researchers, and online learning experts are all part of these solutions. Please visit us on www.hlexpodcast.com and subscribe https://www.hlexpodcast.com/subscribe.