Lleida University in Lleida, Spain, hosted representatives from the UPSCALE project’s partner universities in Botswana and Eswatini. Botho University (BU), BA ISAGO University (BIU), and Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) from Botswana participated in the study tour. Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) and the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) were the other participants from Eswatini. The UPSCALE project (“Upscaling Graduates’ Employability Tracking through the implementation of special Dual Career paths in Botswana and Eswatini”) promotes the development of dual career pathways in higher education, enhances university–industry collaboration, and supports systems for monitoring graduate employability.

The five-day program brought together representatives from the industry and different departments at the University of Lleida who are undertaking the dual programme. With the coordination of Lleida University, the delegates paid their study visits to:

• Eurecat
• Movitec
• Vall Companys
• Parc Agrobiotech Lleida

The delegates experienced excellent organisation of their visits, insightful exchanges, and opportunities for collaboration, highlighting Spain’s dynamic ecosystem that connects education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The workshops, presentations, and field visits focused on developing practical tools and strategies to strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions and businesses grounded in the cultural values of openness, respect, and global connection promoted by the Erasmus+ programme.