The SEA-EU Alliance took center stage at the recent 4EU+ 1CORE Workshop for Alliances, held at the 4EU+ Brussels Office and online, sharing insights on best practices for governance models within European University Alliances.
During the event, Fernando Pérez Peña, General Director of SEA-EU, led a session titled “Engaging Associated Partners: Successful Strategies for Partner Involvement. Case Study: SEA-EU Alliance.” His presentation offered a comprehensive overview of how SEA-EU has successfully incorporated associated partners into its governance framework.
A Collaborative Governance Model
SEA-EU, a university alliance with a strong coastal and marine-maritime identity, has established an innovative governance structure that integrates associated partners such as city halls and port authorities. These partners are actively involved through three distinct bodies:
- Cities, which provide local governmental support.
- Ports, representing maritime industry interests.
- Stakeholders, including companies, NGOs, and research institutions.
According to Pérez Peña, these groups operate independently while maintaining a formal role in SEA-EU’s governing board, offering valuable feedback through regular reporting during the alliance’s governing week.
Driving Innovation Through Partnership
SEA-EU’s approach has led to tangible outcomes, including:
- Involvement in European research initiatives, expanding collaborative opportunities.
- Development of microcredentials, catering to evolving industry needs.
- Co-creation of joint academic programs, ensuring alignment with market demands.
- Social engagement activities, strengthening ties within local communities.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the engagement model has yielded success, challenges persist. Pérez Peña acknowledged the difficulty in defining clear roles for all partners and stressed the need for continuous monitoring to sustain involvement. However, he expressed confidence that the launch of joint programs will further solidify partner interest by linking them with emerging talent.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where participants discussed the scalability of SEA-EU’s governance model across other university alliances. Attendees lauded the alliance’s structured yet adaptable approach and its potential to serve as a blueprint for broader implementation.
SEA-EU’s participation in the 4EU+ 1CORE Workshop underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration and enhancing governance across the European higher education landscape.
