VolkswagenStiftung (Volkswagen Foundation) has launched a new innovative funding programme aimed at promoting the strategic development of German universities. The Strategic Experimental Spaces initiative will provide up to €500,000 each to ten selected projects over a period of up to five years to address current challenges to institutional development jointly with external partners and relevant ministries.

The programme is designed to create experimental spaces where universities can test new strategic alliances and solutions to enhance their development. A key feature of the initiative requires participating universities to engage in dialogue with relevant ministries about suspending certain regulations to facilitate strategic goal implementation.

Universities can explore various strategic objectives, including strengthening cooperation between university and extramural research institutes, enhancing cross-border university partnerships, and testing new employment structures to attract international talent. The programme also aims to address barriers to innovation and improve university infrastructure management.

Eligible applicants must be German universities working in collaboration with at least one ministry of science. While universities are limited to one application each, ministries can participate in up to three different proposals. Additional higher education institutions and extramural organisations can join as co-applicants.

The application process involves multiple stages, beginning with an initial project proposal, followed by extended proposals from selected applicants, and culminating in in-person presentations.

Interested parties are invited to attend online information events run by VolkswagenStiftung on 21 May and 17 June 2025. Prior registration is required.