How to support universities in strengthening the impact of LLL and UCE activities. The role of the Italian network of UCE (RUIAP),

Italian universities recently underwent evaluation by the Italian National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes (ANVUR), with a specific focus on assessing their impact during the 2015-2019 period. This evaluation brought to light significant concerns related to the universities' utilisation of the assessment of the impact of the Third Mission activities made by ANVUR. Notably, there was a lack of attention to the impact of their activities on regional development and social cohesion. In response to these findings, the Network of Italian Universities for Lifelong Learning (RUIAP), a coalition of universities dedicated to supporting Lifelong Learning (LLL) and University-Community Engagement policies and strategies, established a dedicated working group. The primary goal of this working group was to develop comprehensive guidelines aimed at helping universities reframe their approach to evaluation. These guidelines provide a framework for universities to transform the evaluation process into a pivotal moment for qualitative growth, development, and ongoing improvement. This contribution aims to shed light on the process involved in crafting these guidelines and underscores their significance in strengthening the awareness of Italian universities. These guidelines serve as a catalyst for fostering collaborative relationships between universities and their respective regions, ultimately facilitating more impactful engagement and development initiatives.