South East Technological University has launched a new four-year plan aimed at strengthening partnerships and supporting economic and community development across the region.

The strategy, titled Connecting our Region through Partnerships with People and Place 2026-2030, was launched at a breakfast briefing at SETU on Wednesday, September 30th.

Representatives from business, education, the arts and public life attended the event.

It is the first standalone regional engagement strategy of its kind for a technological university in Ireland and sets out how SETU plans to play a greater role in the development of the South East.

The plan focuses on three key areas: partnerships, public engagement and reputation building, and place-based innovation and skills.

SETU President Professor Veronica Campbell said regional engagement is central to the university’s work.

She said the plan will build on SETU’s existing partnerships and help address the opportunities and challenges facing the region.

Vice-President for External Affairs Kathryn Kiely said the university wants to develop deeper and more strategic partnerships across the South East.

The plan highlights existing initiatives including the Calmast STEM Centre, Engineering the South East, outreach programmes with Tiglin and An Cosán, and Creative Places, a community arts project in Enniscorthy.

The launch also included a panel discussion featuring representatives from higher education, enterprise, media and the arts.

The university says the plan builds on its existing contribution to the region, with an economic and social impact study by Indecon Consultants in 2026 estimating SETU’s annual economic impact at €1.07 billion.