FRAMEWORK

The Strategic Plan outlines the main guidelines for the University of Coimbra's activities during the 2023-2027 quadrennium and initiates a new cycle of monitoring and evaluation. Previous strategic planning processes have contributed to the development and integration of a culture of continuous monitoring and regular supervision of UC's activities, in accordance with the principle of improvement as recognised in institutional evaluation. Strategic planning in high-performing institutions, such as the University of Coimbra is, therefore, an active and dynamic focus that outlines the path which, considering current knowledge, best enables the institution to achieve the desired and plausibly planned outcomes.

This essential document will enable UC to be internationally recognised as a research university in which the production of high-quality knowledge influences the educational process and increases the sharing of knowledge with society, and responds to which and everyone’s problems and actively contributes to sustainable development.

Recognising that people’s involvement is essential to the success of the strategy, a series of sessions and reflective moments, titled "Together for UC’s Future!", was organised over three months with the active participation of the academic community. The goal was to integrate diverse perspectives and contributions through a participatory, broad, cross-cutting, and multicultural approach, always focusing on the issues of concern to each stakeholder.

The Strategic Plan is complemented by the Action plan. This document outlines the key actions to be carried out by the Rector’s Team at the institutional level, aimed at implementing the strategic guidelines set for the 2023-2027 quadrennium. Achieving the proposed goals relies not only on these actions but also on the successful alignment of the goals and actions of the Quality Plan and of the Action Plans of all units and of the UC Social Services.

The integration of the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Plan into the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, akin to the Quality Plan, represents an improvement over previous strategic planning cycles. This plan outlines specific actions to be undertaken, along with defined targets and indicators. Information gathered through monitoring, integrated into the evaluation and follow-up cycle, serves not only as a management tool but also to enhance each area’s contribution to sustainable development. Additionally, the plan is aligned with and incorporated into the strategic plan, enabling the prioritisation of the most relevant initiatives to address current and future challenges.