Growing countries lag behind the European average in investment in research and innovation and scientific excellence. Digital Agriculture (DA) is a prominent example. Higher education institutions in enlargement countries, such as Greece and Serbia, can play a central role in addressing this problem, but need support to achieve excellence in DA research and education. HEIs in Belgium have gained considerable experience by setting up an ecosystem that fosters close cooperation among HEIs, competence centers, digital innovation centers and industry, leveraging advanced digital technologies for the benefit of citizens citizens, businesses and scientific progress.In this light, TALLHEDA will establish a new long-term DA alliance between agricultural HEIs from widening countries with leading non-broad agricultural universities and local and international stakeholders. TALLHEDA Alliance will contribute to increasing the critical mass of highly qualified scientists and establish links with surrounding ecosystems to promote the Quadruple Helix of innovation in extension countries. Helix of innovation in expansion countries. The road to excellence will be paved with a portfolio of multi-actor, intersectoral and international complementary actions to support students, early and experienced researchers and academic staff of expanding higher education institutions. This is achieved through collaboration, complementary top expertise from all partners, access to advanced infrastructure, staff mobility and joint teaching and research activities. The partners have an established scientific reputation in DA and are committed to making TALLHEDA a success.In the long run, Widening HEIs will be one step closer to reforming their institutions in terms of content and quality of education courses, pedagogical and managerial practices, and research and innovation capacity, thereby increasing the critical mass of highly skilled scientists needed for the digital transition in agriculture across Europe