The MED-UP project will develop the new concept of Third Mission, encompassing the compulsory commitment of the universities, as key actors for the territorial development, to tackle the social problems and needs. This represents the transition from the Triple Helix Model of development in which the universities enhanced the role of Entrepreneurial Universities to the Quadruple Helix (QH) model where the universities continue to be innovators and to transfer knowledge but with different perspectives, civic and social engagement. The new Third Mission designs a model of Civic University tailored on the specific needs and expectations of the citizens.

In the long run the new model of university will support Egypt (EG), Tunisia (TN) and Jordan (JO) to address the challenges that their higher education institutions and systems are facing, such as those of quality, relevance and equity of access, including those due to the digital revolution. At the same time the project will help to enhance the management, governance and innovation capacities, as well as the internationalisation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and to increase the capacities of national authorities to modernise their higher education systems, by supporting the definition, implementation and monitoring of reform policies. These are priorities identified both at regional and national level by EG, JO and TN. Furthermore, the project will tackle the gender balance through specific actions addressed to Partner Country (PC) institutions, staff and students.