SEA-EU participated in the international scientific conference Social Innovations for Sustainable Regional Development, hosted by Klaipeda University from 7 to 9 May 2026. The event brought together university leaders, researchers and representatives of European University Alliances to reflect on the future sustainability and long-term impact of alliances across Europe.
As part of the programme, Fernando Pérez, Executive Director of SEA-EU, took part in the high-level roundtable discussion “Sustainability of European University Alliances: From Ambition to Long-Term Impact”. The session was organised and moderated by Edita Lenkauskaite from Klaipeda University.
SEA-EU shares its governance model and long-term vision
The discussion gathered representatives from several European University Alliances, including EU-CONEXUS, FORTHEM Alliance, CHARM-EU, ENHANCE Alliance and SEA-EU. Participants exchanged perspectives on governance, institutional integration, continuity and the future evolution of alliances within the European Higher Education Area. During the debate, SEA-EU shared its experience as one of the pioneering alliances of the European Universities Initiative. The alliance highlighted the concrete steps already taken towards long-term sustainability and institutional integration.
Among the topics discussed, Fernando Pérez presented the importance of stable governance structures and legal entities to ensure continuity beyond project funding periods. In this context, SEA-EU showcased the development of the SEA-EU Association, a legal entity that is already supporting the operational work of the alliance. The SEA-EU Association is currently enabling new forms of collaboration between partner universities. One example is the coordination and implementation of international promotion and recruitment campaigns for the SEA-EU Joint Programmes.
A participatory governance ecosystem within SEA-EU
SEA-EU also highlighted its multi-level governance ecosystem, which connects academic leadership, institutional representatives, students, cities, ports and external stakeholders. The alliance works through several governance and participation bodies, including the Governing Board, Vice-Rectors Committees, Student Council, Cities Council, Ports Council and Stakeholders Council. This structure reflects SEA-EU’s ambition to build a truly integrated and participatory European Coastal Campus.
Participants at the conference reflected on how European University Alliances can become fully embedded within universities’ long-term strategies, academic structures, research ecosystems and regional development agendas. The discussion also addressed topics such as sustainable governance models, organisational continuity, visibility within university communities and the challenge of maintaining engagement over time.
SEA-EU continues contributing to the future of European higher education
For SEA-EU, participation in this discussion aligns with the alliance’s commitment to actively shaping the future of European higher education cooperation. Coordinated by the University of Cádiz, SEA-EU continues advancing towards deeper institutional integration through joint programmes, innovative mobility opportunities, collaborative research support structures and stronger engagement with society and coastal territories.
The conference also provided an opportunity for representatives of European University Alliances to exchange good practices and explore future collaborations in areas such as governance, communication, community building and the long-term sustainability of the European Universities Initiative.
