In order to incorporate a range of different perspectives in each of the strategic areas that constitute the 2016-2025 Strategic Plan, five working groups were created for the participative phase of its preparation, one for each strategic area. People from all collectives within the university community could participate in these groups: members of the PDI and the PAS, degree and postgraduate students. Participants also included stakeholders, partners, alumni and members of the Board of Trustees. Experts from outside the university were also invited to enrich the debate. These groups had a chair appointed by the Rector and met periodically between February and June 2015.

The task of the groups was of an advisory nature and, departing from the initial analysis drafted by the Planning Team, the groups debated and reflected on the present situation of UPF, identified the opportunities for and threats to their future development and highlighted the key challenges the University will face in the coming years. To conclude this task, each group drafted a report on their area which included an analysis and a proposal, which served as the base for the 2016-2025 Strategic Plan.

Additionally, two more areas were defined, Internationalization and Commitment, which were studied across each of the working groups, as well as the other participation channels. Due to their strategic relevance - they are present throughout the University’s activities and areas – these two cross-disciplinary areas were introduced to stimulate the overall discussion.

A Coordinating Committee was created to monitor this process, formed by the chairs of each of the working groups, the Plan’s Director, the Vice-Rector for Planning, the head of the Rectory Office and the Planning team.