I-HE2026 conference | The Hague
From Innovation to Impact:
Transforming Higher Education at Scale
About the conference
I-HE2026 is EADTU’s annual conference on Innovating Higher Education, this year hosted by Open Universiteit in The Hague.
As one of Europe’s leading international forums on online, open, and distance education, I-HE brings together university leaders, researchers, practitioners, policy makers, educational technologists, and innovators shaping the future of higher education.
With approximately 250 participants from Europe and beyond, the conference provides a dynamic platform to explore emerging trends, exchange forward-looking practices, and advance strategic transformation across institutions and systems.
Conference scope and topics
Under the theme “From Innovation to Impact: Transforming Higher Education at Scale,” I-HE2026 examines how emerging developments are reshaping higher education across Europe and beyond. As institutions rethink learning design, student and staff support, and cross-border collaboration within increasingly digital ecosystems, the key challenge is moving from innovation to structural, systemic impact — delivering accessible, high-quality, and sustainable education at scale.
The programme will address online, blended, and hybrid education, the growing role of Generative AI and Large Language Models in teaching and institutional strategy, micro-credentials and personalised learning pathways, and leadership for digital transformation. It will also explore diversity and inclusion in open and online education, interoperability and cross-institutional collaboration, and sustainability within the smart green campus.
Explore all conference topics here.
Call for Abstracts
Participants will be invited to submit an abstract presenting research, innovation projects, case studies, or practical experiences aligned with the conference theme and topics. Abstract submission open will open on 19 March 2026
Pathways to publication
Authors of accepted abstracts will have the option to develop a full paper for the I-HE2026 conference proceedings. For the research track, I-HE2026 collaborates with the Center for Open Education Research (COER) to ensure academic quality and alignment with current scholarship in open and digital education.
Selected authors from the research track — based on the quality of their paper and conference presentation — will be invited to submit an extended version of their work to peer-reviewed journals such as the Online Learning Journal (OLJ) or the Journal of Open, Distance and Digital Education (JODDE). Further details will be shared soon.
Join the I-HE Community
I-HE2026 builds on decades of experience in advancing open, online, and distance education across Europe and beyond. As the annual conference of EADTU — founded in 1987 — I-HE provides a space for exchange, collaboration, and practical dialogue on shared challenges and solutions. It connects institutional strategy with pedagogical innovation, research, and policy development.
By participating in I-HE2026, you join a community committed to strengthening quality, accessibility, and sustainable change in higher education.
Venue & Host City: Innovation at the Heart of The Hague
I-HE2026 will take place in The Hague, an international city known for its role in peace, justice, governance and innovation.
The conference will be hosted by the Open Universiteit at its brand-new university campus and knowledge hub at Het Spui, opening in March 2026 in the heart of the city. The modern campus provides an inspiring setting for dialogue, collaboration and impact.
Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the historic city centre, renowned museums and the nearby North Sea coastline. An optional Conference Networking Dinner will take place on 29 October 2026.