ASEFInnoLab7 aims to strengthen cross-regional networks and dialogue on the role of universities in AI innovation ecosystems by building institutional capacity, promoting ethical and inclusive AI practices, and generating actionable outputs to inform strategic policy and leadership in higher education. This edition, we will deliver a full programme with virtual and in-person elements in various formats throughout the year. About 60 higher education experts, professionals, academics, and researchers from Asia and Europe. I am proud and delighted to be part of this program. White papers produced through this process will articulate strategic pathways through which higher education institutions can align AI development and deployment with societal needs, ethical principles, and long-term public value. The white papers will address an issue within the three subthemes AI4GlobalGood, AI4PublicInterest, and AI4InstitutionalExcellence.

On 7 July 2026, the ASEF7 Interim Session Group A was held. Half of the total teams presented their work and progress in this session; the remaining teams in Group B had another day. The purpose was to share updates and to obtain feedback from the other teams and from the ASEF7 coordinators. We presented our work on the ecosystem and the triangle of OE/OER_AI_SDG.

The purpose was also to prepare for the conference in Nottingham, UK, from 24 to 29 August 2026.